Rolling Cartridges

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This article will instruct you on how to roll blank paper cartridges for .58 cal. black-powder muzzleloaders. Be sure to read the entire article and view all pictures before trying to make the cartridge. And, of course, do not use black powder or firearms without first being taught and supervised by a competent individual.

Steps

Making the Wooden Dowel

1. 

   

   Dowel Pattern
   Take a 1/2" wooden dowel and cut off a 6" segment.
   
   
2. Using a 3/8" drill bit, bore a cavity about 1/10" into one end of the dowel.
   
   
3. Draw a guide line 4 1/2" away from the end with the cavity. This will help you align the paper correctly.
   
   

Making the Paper Trapezoid

1. 

   

   If your printer does not print to the dimensions given, adjust accordingly.
   Print out the trapezoid pattern at right by clicking on it then printing the full size version.
   
   
2. Use the pattern to cut a trapezoid out of blank newsprint or packaging paper.

Rolling the Cartridge

1. 

   

   Place dowel on paper
   Lay paper on a flat surface, with the acute angle pointing forward and left. (See picture.)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Place the wooden dowel on the paper with the guide line along the right hand side of the paper, about 1/2" from the bottom.
   
   
   
3. 

   

   Roll tightly
   Roll the paper tightly around the dowel.
   

Twisting the Left Edge

1. 

   

   Twist this end
   Leave the dowel in the paper, with the guide line along the right edge of the paper.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. 

   

   Left end twisted
   Twist the excess paper on the left edge tightly.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. 

   

   Press left edge against table
   Fold the twisted edge onto itself. Crush into the hollow left by the wooden dowel by pressing against table.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. 
   Remove the dowel.
   
   
   

Filling with Powder

1. Measure the correct amount of black-powder.
   
   
2. Pour through the open end of the paper tube.
   
   

Twisting Right Edge

1. 

   

   Twist open end leaving a "tail"
   Grab the paper directly above the black-powder and twist to make a seal. This leaves a paper "tail" above the twisting point.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. 

   

   Folding down the "Tail"
   Fold down the paper tail alongside the cartridge.
   
   
   
   

Tips

• If you have a .79 caliber musket, use a 5/8" dowel and the correct powder charge.
• Some newspapers give paper butt-ends away free of charge to non-profit organizations, so if this is used only for a non-profit reenacting organization, you should be able to use some.
• In order to speed up the cartridge rolling process, make a double sided wooden dowel 9" long with a cavity drilled into each end, and with a guide line 4.5" away from each end.
• A black-powder speed-loader flask is highly recommended. To use, place your finger over the mouth of the spout, hold the flask upside-down and press the button. This will open a valve allowing the spout to fill up with black-power. Release the button, and pour the powder into a paper tube.
• You can use sugar or coffee grounds to simulate black powder if you wish to practice without explosives (such as for a project at school, drilling, or simply not wasting your powder, soldier!).

Warnings

• Black-powder is highly explosive! Never use any black-powder near flames or sparks! Only use with approved .58 caliber black-powder muzzleloaders. Never put anything other than black-powder into this cartridge.
• Never use a black-powder speed loader to pour directly into a musket. If there is smoldering embers in the barrel, they could set off the powder you are pouring in and ignite the entire flask in your hand.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2" wooden dowel, at least 6" long
• Blank newsprint or packaging paper
• Black-powder