Storing paper or brass BP cartridges safely.

Original brass cartridges for the Smith, Gallagher, Burnsides, etc., carbines that used external priming generally had the flashhole sealed with a bit of beeswax or tallow.

The force of the primer was enough to knock the sealant out of the way.
 
The force of the primer was enough to knock the sealant out of the way.
Click to expand...

So far I have made up one cartridge and that held about 55gr. I can see how the full chamber could take 110!

As for the flash hole, I put a square of nitrated paper at the base and poweder the powder on top. The pressure of the bullet should keep it in place.
 
Does that do away with the danger of air gaps?
Click to expand...

As Hawg noted, the Sharps doesn't have a problem with an air gap. In fact, it's impossible not to have air in a Sharps chamber, as the breech block has a hollow area in its face.

I believe my Pedersoli maxes out around 60 grains of powder with paper cartridges but I can't remember.

Steve
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top