Pistol Cartridge Project

[E Palese]

So I was curious to see why no one ever uses blank pistol cartridges in re-enacting? Doing some research into pistol ammunition it’s become painfully clear that they were issued ammunition that was a paper or linen cartridge in an arsenal pack much like rifle ammunition in varying styles and fashions. But the only types of reloading I have ever seen in any frequency is either a cylinder swap or tearing open a paper cartridge much like a rifle and using the paper as wadding in an attempt prevent a chain fire and hold the powder in place. What say you all about what I have created? They are made with coffee filters for the paper that have been soaked in potassium nitrate and I glued wander wads to to top as a measure of safety to prevent chain fires.

[Calum]

Re: Pistol Cartridge Project

'morning,

Most event rules that I've seen prohibit the use of wads, as potential projectiles. But on a personal level, I'm curious to hear how well they work.

I don't often carry a pistol (one event, where I do a civilian impression), and there I use a variant on the rifle type cartridge. But it's pre-packaged powder and filler in a cigarette rolling paper, all I do is tear the back open and ram the whole thing. Seal the chamber with lube.

Best of luck in your project!

[Speed]

Re: Pistol Cartridge Project

I was recently a spectator at a mainstream event. There was a guy there showing how to load Colt and Remington pistols, and he was not using cartridges. He was pouring the powder straight into each chamber, and in lieu of a projectile, he loaded each chamber with a Coco-Puff (the kids' cereal). Really. He said it was just the size he needed to keep the powder in, and it just disintegrated on firing.

Marc Speed

[E Palese]

Re: Pistol Cartridge Project

Michael I plan on testing this weekend. I personally think that the myth around wander wads comes from years of re-enactors passing down old wives tales much like everyone elevating rifles at far distances and the fear of shooting a ramrod 300 yards so we just don’t do it. I will update once I have tested but I don’t see a felt wad gaining any sort of real velocity and if there is any real fear exercising good muzzle discipline is always a good practice when it comes to pistols.

[Steven Dacus]

Re: Pistol Cartridge Project

All,

Our group (11th OVC) have gone completely to accurate pistol cartridges packaged in proper cases with a tear-open seal. We have conducted tests with the infamous wonder wads and they don't punch paper even at 5 yards. We use them when events allow, otherwise we use cream-of-wheat in our nitrated paper. See below for some pictures of our complete set:


Additionally, we made a video on our first generation of pistol cartridges (Youtube Link)

Since posting that video, we have gone to the tapered nitrated cartridge with a felt wad.

I guess my point is that we use them exclusively and it seems to be catching on. Our goal is to rid the field of separate powder flasks and for goodness sake those extra cylinders.

[rbruno]

Re: Pistol Cartridge Project

I make the nitrate paper cartridges as well and I have used both cream of wheat and the coco puff. I glue the coco puff on top of the cartridge and it makes for easy loading the entire cartridge. The coco puff works great.

[KevinBarnes]

Re: Pistol Cartridge Project

What about using natural fiber wads like these: http://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/172/1

[E Palese]

Re: Pistol Cartridge Project

Those natural discs are intended to be used between the powder and the projectile to keep consistent velocity for target competition shooters. I would think that because they are much more compacted that that may actually act as a projectile. I could be wrong and they may just disintegrate when fired but I would doubt it. Just my two cents Kevin.