I took out the IAB Sharps that I traded one of my old muzzleloaders for. I want to let it warm up before I benchrest the gun, I just wanted to see if my paper cartridges would work. Using some 475 grain bullets with 70 grains of Pyrodex RS wrapped up in some cigarette rolling papers. It groups pretty well offhand, accuracy started to fall of pretty quick after only 3-4 rounds as the group spread out. I am going to give these a try with some Triple 7 next to see what they will do with I think is a better powder substitute than Pyrodex. Black powder is very hard to get here in NY from anyone, but Triple 7 loose is everywhere.

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Vaya con Dios

That's pretty neat. I recall trying to make some for a C&B Remington repro along time ago but they never worked out to good.
Does the Sharps breech cut off the paper to expose powder to the cap fire or does it just close up on the paper 'cartridge'.

I couldn't get BP either so I ordered some from powderinc.com as suggected by some forum members here. I price was right and in 25# lots it really good. Goex, Swiss, KIK and subs.
The KIK brand is really cheap,,something like $10 to $12/pound (including the HazMAt) and does just fine in most applications.
For the Sharps, I'd try American Pioneer for a substitute if the fouling is causing problems. I use it in a 73 Winchester 44-40 and because there is no fouling, you can shoot all day with it. Groups nicely too,,much smoke..

I hate that it's so hard to find actual black powder for shooting these guns. All I want is a can of Goex. But in Illinois, that's nigh impossible. I'm not a fan of the substitute powders.

Aren't ya supposed to "nitrate" the papers? or is that just for cap n ball?

I always thought they would be fun to play with ... I went the sissy route and went with a couple cartridge sharps for now...

Cigarette paper will already be treated similarly to the nitrated cartridge paper. You don't need to worry about the end being clipped off since the primer will blow right through the thin paper.

I use Charlie Hahn's tubes and seal off the end with cigarette paper in my 1862 Confederate Robinson replica.

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Only a cold warrior

Hi:
I attempted to to roll paper cartridges for a Remington .58cal BP rifle with negative results. Would you share your "Secret" on rolling the cigarette paper around the bullet?
Thank you,
Jimmy (all thumbs)

I have read that smokeless powder is a passing fad. Show us more. Just how did ggrandpa load and shoot that beauty?

I have a reproduction 1859 Sharps saddle ring carbine. I premeasured the powder and put it paper tubes. To load I dropped in the bullet then opened the paper tube and poured the powder in loose. I used regular black powder and the boom and the smoke was awesome. It is too hard to clean so I quit shooting but it was fun for awhile. Larry

You need to make sure you bullets are well lubricated with the right type of grease. If it isn't done the powder fouling will be hard and will quickly spoil accuracy. A hollow based bullet should have the base filled with lub and the grooves also well greased. I use 50/50 bee's wax and Crisco or you can use Bore Butter...

Find a wooden dowel about bullet size and roll the paper around it.

I've used nitrated paper for both my Sharps. But a friend of mine was using phone book paper and getting great results. So I made the switch. Worked fine. But I always make sure the breech is clear of any smoldering remnants. I do this with the Nitrated papers as well...

giz

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Non gratum anus rodentum