My first ever combustible envelope cartridges

I am new to muzzleloading and recently purchased the Crossen cartridge former as seen below...
I was able to make some 30gn roundball envelope cartridges tonight for my 1858 uberti going to try them out when the weather clears up. Wish me luck. I really like the former it's relatively quick and I'm sure as I get used to the process I will be able to make a substantial improvement as I have never made any in my life before tonight. I thought they turned out pretty good if I do say so myself.

Matt from NC

'morning,

They look good to me! I've not attempted pistol cartridges yet.

Mike

Wow! That's an interesting looking operation. Showing the steps would make a great thread. Good job, they look great.

Nice! Hope they shoot well for you.

Nice! They look far better than my first attempt.

Blackpowderart said:

I am new to muzzleloading and recently purchased the Crossen cartridge former as seen below...
I was able to make some 30gn roundball envelope cartridges tonight for my 1858 uberti going to try them out when the weather clears up. Wish me luck. I really like the former it's relatively quick and I'm sure as I get used to the process I will be able to make a substantial improvement as I have never made any in my life before tonight. I thought they turned out pretty good if I do say so myself.

Matt from NC

Click to expand...

Way prettier than mine. I am going to try some with "Pistol Pellets" - both RB and Conicals - in my next batch. Also want to try some with OPwads - dry and lubed.
Do you grease over the ball in the cylinder? Or are you going to dip in lube - say SPG - like I've seen on YouTube?

What kind of paper?

It is coffee filters paper...nitrated. like I said I am new so I haven't been using lube. Was planning on getting an Eras Gone colt cartridge works mold and lubing the grease groove on the bullets possibly. I don't like the idea of luring over the cylinders so that isn't for me. If anything I like the idea of dipping the bullet end in some type of lube that would have the consistency of candle wax after drying possibly. I'm still learning.

Turkey season is in a few weeks and I just got some Swiss, so I am going to be focusing on getting a good load for my Pedersoli sxs 10ga. in the coming weeks

Does that pistol have factory nipples or replace nipples? Reason I ask is I see you have #11 caps.

Thanks

They look nice and neat, I like that. Mine looked like poorly rolled joints

Banjoman said:

Does that pistol have factory nipples or replace nipples? Reason I ask is I see you have #11 caps.

Thanks

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I bought all the nipples....lol settled on treso for this one. Can always use the others on a new gun. So small it's finicky and the treso has the smallest flash hole. I only shoot black powder so it's not an issue for me but "could" be for Substitutes. I have never used any so I can't say for sure.

Left to right
Treso, TOTW, Uberti, Slixshot

All of these aftermarket nipples hold the #11 hunting tight... I usually press the caps on with the ted cash stltrait line capper and then use the hammer to make sure their set. Doesn't take long and never have a "soft" hit

Blackpowderart said:

All of these aftermarket nipples hold the #11 hunting tight... I usually press the caps on with the ted cash stltrait line capper and then use the hammer to make sure their set. Doesn't take long and never have a "soft" hit

Click to expand...

Thanks!

Banjoman said:

Thanks!

Click to expand...

I like the treso and slixshot the best on this small revolver but I suspect any will work on tje larger frame revolvers. Hammer blowback is a concern on these pocket models and the TOTW definitely blew back my hammer but they were designed to specifically work with cci 11

I am curious (some call it being nosey). I think some shooters puncture the centers of the backs of the envelopes so the powder will trickle into the cylinder and ignite better.This "procedure" is done immediately before inserting the bullet and it just may be an unnecessary step.Most caps seem to burn right through the paper. I'm not through experimenting yet.

I never have

Blackpowderart said:

I never have

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That's what I wanted to hear. Probably not necessary.

Well they look VERY well made indeed.
Go to Hobby Lobby and in the candle section you will find bricks of beeswax and coconut oil. I got mine on sale for $5. Slice off some pieces and use any small metal can over a hot plate to melt the material then dip up to the paper line. Makes a great lube that works and it’s cheap.
I also use nitrated coffee filter paper and stump remover to nitrate the paper. I found it yo work much better than cig or curling paper.

Back when I was in high school we used to do magic. (not like magic cards) We used flash paper for some of our tricks. It is some kind of nitrated paper that catches on fire when sparked. You can still get flash paper today. I would imaging that would work great for combustible paper cartridges.
Ohio Rusty ><>

Great suggestion about dipping the paper cartridges but I would add another suggestion. Turn the stove off before you get too close to the flame with the gun powder (if it's a gas burner).