Revolutionary War Reenacting Cartridge-making
How to make a musket cartridge for Revolutionary War reenacting, specifically for a 69 caliber Charleville. www.2va.org
Reference: Allen Ockerlander: • Revolutionary War Cart...
Note: dowel hollowed out is to fit a Charleville ball, emphasis ball. And, yes, I can properly say "flatten." Please pardon the single-take preference. : )
Putting the hollow into one end of the dowel may be started with a 1/16 inch drill bit going in maybe 1/10 of an inch, then progressing to a 3/8 in drill bit, finishing off with a knife. To be sure you like the result, this method may have you waiting to cut off the 6 inches until after you've satisfactory formed the hollow. Also, some folks like to use a two (or six) inch long 5/8 inch dowel as a nub on which to press the bottom of the cartridge. The top of the nub needs to shaped with a wood rasp to fit the hollow of the 6 inch long dowel. Then place the two inch long dowel nub-side up into one of the board holes. You're then ready for shaping the bottom of the cartridges, vis a vis smashing the twist into the table as the video shows. Alternatively, use a six inch long nub just to press into the bottom of the cartridge. Also, after paper rolling, some folks like to twist the 6 inch dowel inside the paper to ensure an extra-tight roll. Also, direction of the "store front" can be moved to the traditional left if you twist the dowel as opposed to the paper. Regardless, it's best if the motion of the twist continues in the same direction as the paper roll.
Brown Bess users may want to experiment with dowel sizes. Most cartridge boxes have 3/4 inch holes, so a 3/4 in dowel would need to be sanded/shaved/turned down to perhaps 11/16 inches. Have looked for 11/16 in dowels, but very few sellers. Maybe use 5/8 in dowel and wind loosely or thicken/build-out dowel, or perhaps no big deal and just use procedure for 69 caliber musket? Comments from Brown Bess users welcome!
N.B. Please note that at the end you can use the funnel to pour the powder from the box back into the can. Also, given that you really clean it well before returning it to other use (obviously to prevent a fire), a cookie tin serves as a nice "box."
N.B. For those interested in Charleville firing and cleaning, check out: www.bahrnoproducts.com/Charlev...
Other ideas: 1. Use a new cookie tin as your box. Easy to clean. 2. Allow rolled cartridge to slip a bit as you crush the bottom with a nub; this allows an indentation and a better seal for the bottom of the cartridge. 3. As you place the dowel on the paper and try to estimate 5/8 of an inch of paper for the bottom of the cartridge, just try to visualize a square. The dowel is 5/8 inch thick. Move dowel left or right on the paper so that you see a square of paper between the end of the dowel and the edge of the paper.
Thomas Pickering's directions specify "storefront" height of about 6 inches, "floor" of about 5.5 inches, and "storeback" height of about 2 inches. My dimensions are close: 6, 6, and 2 and hopefully good enough.
Also check out Bill's new book: www.LibertyKey.US
Revolutionary War Reenactment Playlist: • Revolutionary War Reen...
Strategy book playlist: • Strategy
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thank you very much just made my first powder charge
@billbahr
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the thanks! Good luck on your reenacting!
Great video
FWIW, there are powder dispensing funnels that can be screwed onto powder cans. This would make pouring charges easier.
@BillBahr11
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment! Yes, from Track of the Wolf, I bought a POWDER-CAP-V (Powder Cap with brass valve threaded to accept spouts, metal cap for GOEx metal powder cans -- around $12) and a SP-090 Measure Spout (90 grains black powder, 10-mm thread for flask or valve, brass, made in USA -- around $4). Sure makes pouring and clean-up a lot easier!
Please note that a lot more information about cartridge making is included in the written description of the video (above). Eg, I recently watched a fellow reenactor show me how he loaded cartridges using a scoop he fashioned to carry the desired powder charge. Wondering later what my recommended 85 grains of powder would look like in a teaspoon measure, I discovered that 85 grains is virtually the same as a level teaspoon! The dynamics now are a little different: you'll need to pour the powder over a bowl into the teaspoon measure, level it, then use a funnel or paper cone to pour the measured powder into the cartridge. Maybe (or maybe not) a little easier than the method described in my video. Again, good luck and happy reenacting!
@billbahr
10 жыл бұрын
I have also seen someone use a home-made scoop made from a shotgun-shell cut to the desired length that holds the appropriate amount of powder.
@ ~ 3:30 mins, a little Elmer's glue on the end will better hold it together, and is accurate for a french style cartridge.
@billbahr
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks, but OTOH, here's something just in from the Northwest Territory Alliance's (Rev War reenacting) commander: "A reminder NWTA [www.nwta.com] By-Laws under Para 8 c. ii. Cartridges states: 2. Shall NOT be closed or sealed with anything, including but not limited to: staples, tape, glue, string, or wax. 3. Wadding or patching in a cartridge is considered a projectile and is FORBIDDEN. A participant found to be in possession of a wadded cartridge is considered to be in possession of a live round." I don't know exactly why a cartridge whose gunpowder is meant to be emptied into a barrel and the paper then discarded is disallowed, but I guess the NWTA no-glue rule is "better safe than sorry." ... Just found this out. NWTA is worried about that, probably rare reenactment event, when someone drops the empty cartridge into the barrel. The hardened by glue cartridge then becomes a dangerous projectile, which could hurt a reenactor in the opposing line. Stay safe!
Is the dowel size really for fitting in cartridge box not size of ball?
I don't think you want double your charge for a ball cartridge!! That's 160 to 170 grains of 3F!! Oh my!! your asking for trouble on that one !!!
@BillBahr11
8 жыл бұрын
+TheDave570 Thanks for your concern and comment, but please note that near 4:00, I said "double F" (FFg) powder may used be for actual ball firing. Double F is not the same as triple F (FFFg or 3Fg as seen on can). I didn't say or mean "double your charge," which would indeed be dangerous. For all uses, reenactment and range, it's best to consult with your safety officer. Hope this helps clarify any issues. More information at www.bahrnoproducts.com/Charleville_Firing_and_Cleaning.htm Thanks again!
.69 ball wrapped in paper is too large for a .69 caliber Charleville...
@BillBahr11
4 жыл бұрын
Video here is for reenacting (no balls used). For ball cartridge making, check out kzread.info/dash/bejne/c42JssORXanFnqQ.html and note comment below video that ball would have been .662 caliber or smaller; some use .625 among other smaller sizes. Here's a lot more information: www.bahrnoproducts.com/Charleville_Firing_and_Cleaning.htm