Cartridges: Bullet Fillers

[Johnschut]

I think this fits in well here, but if need be please move.

I'm curious on what people have used to replicate bullets in cartridges.

I've tried the cotton ball, the rolled TP, Just wondering if anyone else as used anything else with success.

[Todd]

Re: Cartridges: Bullet Fillers

Good question! I've been thinking about that lately. I even thought about making wax bullets with a mold. The wax would have to be strong enough to withstand a hot event. I don't think it would be a safety issue, but you could glue it into the paper tube or make an inner powder tube. Thoughts?

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[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Cartridges: Bullet Fillers

Hallo!

By and large, the use of a 'filler' for the ball is in taking up space in the cartridges' length.

SAFETY issues demands that whatever it is NOT be loaded (aka "rammed") and the filler is discarded. (A longer discussion about "ramming" cartridge papers.) And the second issue is having something that can become a projectile or have projectile mass "down range" if, as some sometimes do... get carried away in the heat of the moment... and rams it.

Once Upon a Time, my pard wanted to increase the noise of blank rounds used for firings at demo's and parades. And thought casting and loading Minies made of wax in modern Minie ball molds as used for live fire and presentations. He, we, all figured the wax would melt with the discharge and get harmlessly vaporized..
When we got to the Review Stand and formed a line to fire, he loaded his first and we "elevated" high over the spectators lining the street. He took aim on a street light and fired.

The street light shattered at the impact of the wax Minie showering glass down onto the street.

Curt

[Murph]

Re: Cartridges: Bullet Fillers

In direct response to Herr Schmidt's post regarding the dubious nature of wax bullets. . .

[FranklinGuardsNYSM]

Re: Cartridges: Bullet Fillers

Curt, that is one of the greatest things I have ever heard.

[jessejames70]

Re: Cartridges: Bullet Fillers

on my dowel I use to roll rounds, I have marked the length of the minie ball and the full length of the tube. Then I use a cotton ball, a whole small one or a half of a large one is about right. Works well for me, but as others have said don't ram it. Just my $.02

[Jeremy Bevard]

Re: Cartridges: Bullet Fillers

I hope you have found an answer to your question. With what we do there is a some level of risk but by discussing safety and thinking clearly we can reduce much of that risk. I think of this hobby (especially this end of it which the forum represents) as a brotherhood and with that we must watch out for each other and think of each others safety.

I think the posts have answered that there are few safe ways to represent a "bullet" in the blank cartridges we use as well as what not to use. After toilet paper and cotton balls there is not much else that can be used while still confidently keeping intact the safety of our brothers at events.

To ensure that message stays clear and intact I am closing the thread.