Muzzle loading with nitrated paper pistol cartridges

[ovenpaa]

Waterford, is this with spherical projectiles?

[dromia]

I use a dab of BP bullet lube or a touch of Pritt Stick as glue.

I nitrate them to ensure ignition rather than complete combustion.

Chambers need checking as the originals were conical with them getting wider towards the muzzle, I have seen some replicas with similar chambers so your mandrel needs to reflect the chamber profile.

Nitrating is easy just add the saltpetre to very hot water until no more dissolves, soak the sheets of paper, I use 9lb 100% cotton rag paper and be.sure to dry flat.

I originally got into nitrating paper, blotting in this instance, to make combustible inner tubes for the 577/450 Martini cartridge to reduce case capacity. Tried it on my pistol cartridges and it helped with ignition, well it really meant I could be a little sloppier when making the things and still have them go bang.

[meles meles]

Somehow, ooman, we don't see you as sloppy. You seem far too fastidious*





* aka a pernickety owd git

[dromia]

Less of the "owd" I'm only 60 next month.

Still to a badger any one over 8 years is old.