Pyrodex Paper Cartridges for Cap & Ball Revolvers

In this video, I’ll be shooting paper cartridges made with Pyrodex powder. Paper cartridge kits are available here: gunsofthewests...
The 12-Cap Capper is available here: gunsofthewests...
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[@GunsOfTheWest]

Check out the Guns of the West store here: gunsoftheweststore.com

[@togray619]

I use Pyrodex for both .36 and .44. calibers. Dustin's cartridge forming kits are one of the best investments I've made in shooting cap and ball revolvers. Making paper cartridges has become a very relaxing and fun hobby for me. I'd like to see him advance the hobby more by coming up with the tools and procedures to make percussion caps.

[@reaperreconnaissance599]

They have #10 and #11 percussion cap makers for sale on numerous websites, although… if Dustin were to make and sell one I would sooner give him my business. The real issue is the priming compound formula. That is also sold on websites (primes around 2000 caps) but being able to purchase that from a reliable supplier (I’ve had issues in the past) would be a welcome change.

[@FordGTmaniac]

@@reaperreconnaissance599 The book TM 31-210 has a section dedicated to making priming compound, I believe. You'll probably end up on a watch list for buying it considering everything else that's in there, though.

[@samspencer582]

@@reaperreconnaissance599 I live in Sweden and I wish I could order #10 and #11 caps from USA, but I don´t know if it´s allowed to send these caps to another country. The caps is the hardest issue for me when I shoot my original Remington 44. Can you give the link where you order these caps? I would be very thankful to you.

[@sleeperno1215]

Tried others just to see. Dustin’s are the best kits.

[@robertcarpenter5194]

It's amazing to me that some of the best and legendary people to ever have a gun used these types of weapons

[@anangryranger]

Thanks for the information and review of this particular powder in paper cartridges. I remember when Pyrodex came out. I was in a civil war reenactment unit, and we mostly just dumped the powder down the barrel of our rifle muskets, capped, and fired. BP touched off easily and gave a good "boom" for the audience watching. However, Pyrodex would often have a momentary lapse in ignition, and less of the "boom" needed to sound like a rifle. But with pistol blank loads, with a wad of toilet paper rammed into the chamber followed by a dab of Crisco, Pyrodex did alright. As to the corrosive effect of Pyrodex, I found it to be more corrosive than BP. And required extensive cleaning to remove the residue from the weapons. A "standard" cleaning, as with BP, would be fine. But with Pyrodex, if you cleaned as if it were BP, you had corrosion forming in a few days. It required rigorous and extensive cleaning to neutralize the powder residue.

[@robertrobert7924]

Thank you for this information. I have never used Pyrodex because I have always had access to BP when I visit NSSA, Ft. Shenandoah, Winchester, VA. For some reason I thought Pyrodex was NOT corrosive. I learned something new today. Thanks again.

[@jasonwright1676]

I am new to cap and ball and one of my first investments was the .44 caliber paper cartridge kit. I absolutely love how easy and quickly I can put out cartridges. With Pyrodex I have found that using my flask is less messy and easier to do. Thanks for the great videos Dustin.

[@triple9fine]

If you think that’s fast, use the Pyrex pellets to make your cartridges .

[@drewames9629]

Nice video, Dustin. I've only ever used Pyrodex in my paper cartridges. It works great! You did a video a fews years ago comparing black powder with Pyrodex using some CCW.36 bullets I sent you. In that video, the Pyrodex had a bit more velocity than black powder. I'll also say that I have seen no evidence whatsoever in more than 20 years that Pyrodex is more corrosive than BP. I have gone as long as four days after shooting Pyrodex before being able to clean my revolver and there has not ever been rust on it. Your experience may vary, of course. My theory is that some people read that Pyrodex fouls less than BP and perhaps do not clean as quickly after shooting or as thoroughly as when they shoot BP. If you treat Pyrodex the same way as BP, use good BP lube, and clean well, you won't have any issues.

[@jeramiefisher8043]

I use triple 7 in my paper cartridge. I have noticed that they do hit harder than loose powder. I do highly recommend to get the kits.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

I’ll be doing a video on Triple Seven cartridges soon too. Thanks for watching!

[@samspencer582]

I have used Pyrodex in my paper cartridges and it works very well. Last winter I made at least 400 of those cartridges with your cartridge kit and I have maybe only shot 50 of them. I think I will make more this winter again. It is so relaxing during dark winter evenings.

[@jfbft5007]

I made all my 36 papers cartridges with T777 ( 18grs) and your cartridge former kit with Elam O. Potter bullets. Work very well.👍

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Great info for those who aren't able to get the BP!

[@improvisedsurvival5967]

How aren’t people able to get it. You can make it from stump remover.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

​@@improvisedsurvival5967 Well, folks don't want to go to the trouble. Kinda like going to Popeye's or KFC instead of making your own fried chicken.

[@improvisedsurvival5967]

@@ArizonaGhostriders it’s worth the trouble. Get more for cheaper

[@benjaminjarrett9816]

I’ve been using Dustin’s cartridge kits for four years now and have no complaints. The first powder I used was pyrodex, then I learned how to make black powder at home and I’m still using these cartridge formers. I’ll never forget the first former I ordered, it was well before he added a second piece to help form the envelope. I still use it to this day, thanks Dustin for these awesome products!!!

[@petedawson9497]

Excellent video my friend. Very informative. Greetings from England 🇬🇧

[@annmariemccabe6494]

I'm from England too, our laws suck huh?

[@tx.tactical3165]

I really enjoy your videos, thanks for posting...

[@TUCOtheratt]

Nice demo . Your method looks like it's a lot faster.👍

[@justinscott1691]

Awsome love your work, the paper you use looks quite sturdy compared to other stuff ive scene, and when carefully placed inside that cool cardboard box they almost look as handy as modern cartridges, well done sir.

[@seanfoltz7645]

I scored a kit for my 1851 Navy .44 - can't recommend the kit enough as the learning curve is next to nothing - I was rolling out cartridges with it like I had been doing it for years inside of two or three tries. The convenience of using them at the range can't be undersold - no muss, no fuss, no need to worry about wind and you can load all six cylinders in the time it would normally take you to load two by hand, meaning you're carrying less crap to the range and spend more time shooting. My brass powder horn's spout holds 25 grains so I can load straight from the horn, meaning I can bang out a paper cartridge in less than a minute while watching television. To store them, I use those plastic bullet boxes they sell in sporting good stores with the modern ammo - the 9mm box fits them perfectly - place them in paper side down so that when you pull them out, you're picking up the cartridge by the ball, thus making it less likely you'll rip the cartridge or have the glue fail and it dump itself into the box. I also dip the cartridges in a 60/40 mix of tallow and beeswax - that keeps the barrel cleaner longer when firing as well as saving the mess of smearing bore butter over each cylinder after loading.

[@TheStraycat74]

I followed Mark Hubbs over at Eras Gone version with nitrated coffee filters. Other than that, not much different. Loads of fun

[@mymomsaysimcool9650]

I didn’t realize this was an issue. I’ve been using Pyrodex and 777. No issues using paper forms with ball. Doesn’t seem any hotter or lag compared to BP.

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

Thanks again dustin those cappers are the easiest cappers I have ever used. I love them. PS please make a Cartridge kit to make skin cartridges.

[@Bucky1836]

Skin cartridges 😮

[@BrianMusic12]

Quickly becoming one of my favorite channels. Im a very new BP shooter and Im using pyrodex and triple seven exclusively, and your videos make me very comfortable with this stuff.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Thank you!

[@BrianMusic12]

​@GunsOfTheWest do you have a direct contact method? I have questions that pop up and I'd love to be able to ask someone with experience on the whole cap and ball subject

[@GunsOfTheWest]

@@BrianMusic12 Absolutely! [e-mail]

[@Squib1911]

I like the way you resolved the problem with paper cartridges.

[@curly__3]

I use pyrodex paper cartridges all the time in my revolvers. They work flawlessly and give excellent performance and accuracy. Everyone always says pyrodex is more corrosive than bp...i don't know about that, but what i do know is that i have left pyrodex fouled, blued guns for about a year, more than once and not had a lick of corrosion...i live in the rockies and it is drier out here than the east, but it does not seem to be very corrosive to me.

[@jeffshootsstuff]

Sounded like you had a momentary hangfire on your last shot with the Army. I get those with Pyrodex fairly often.

[@North_Florida_Shooter]

I’ve made several .36 cal cartridges with Pyrodex using your cartridge former kit and Eras Gone Richmond labs bullets.

[@DeucesWildRC]

Another informative and fun video! Thanks for taking the time to make it Dustin 🇺🇸

[@garywilliamson9697]

I'm basically a goex fan. Pyrodex works well if used within a couple of days of loading then it seems to loose its "thump" doesn't have the shelf life of Real Black Powder, where I have loaded goex and left them for months and could tell no difference.. just keep cool and dry .

[@SunriseSideIronworks]

I’ve used Dustin’s .44 paper cartridge kit for my 1858 and 1851. I have only ever used pyrodex but am looking into making my own black powder because it’s near impossible to find black powder in my area. I loaded both back in November during hunting season, things came up and I was unable to fire them until this past weekend. All went off without any issue even 6 months later.

[@blueduck9409]

I prefer Pyrodex for all cap lock arms. Dustins lube and cartridge kit is a MUST HAVE for cap lock revolvers! I would have liked to see those pyrodex loads ran thru a chronograph. Good video!

[@GunsOfTheWest]

That’s a great idea! I’ll be doing a 777 cartridge video too, so maybe I’ll also do one with chronograph comparisons between them all.

[@stevetuttle5472]

@@GunsOfTheWestWould love to see that!!

[@RetiredDuke]

I have been useing nothing but Pyrodex for my paper cartridges. BP Is scarce up here in Maine and when I do find it it's usually so over priced that I can't afford it anyway. Never had an issue with it yet. :)

[@wildweasel8564]

I've been using 30gr Pyrodex pellets in my Ruger Old Army. And yes #10 caps are few and far between.

[@vehdynam]

Very interesting ! Thank you.

[@markworden9169]

Midwayusa have Uberti remington new model for a good price so for a 2024 Christmas present to myself, it's on the way. I also ordered slixshot nipples and wrench on GOTW advice, might as well order the 44 paper cartridge kit also.

[@scratchguns]

I have to use pyrodex because its just simply AVAILABLE. Black powder is just not available in storefronts where I live and most websites REQUIRE you to buy an insane amount for just one person whether its the Swiss stuff or GOEX. Plus not to mention the hazmat charge on top of that.

[@513Allen]

Love to see a demo on your .31 pocket pistol paper former.

[@raysheppard8040]

Yup, yup, pyrodex works great, Taurus/Hipoint shows it

[@mariancostea3419]

Nice demo!

[@davidparks538]

I’ve used it before with no problems 😎😍

[@ralphgerrad5642]

What about chain fire I noticed you had no wad or greased the cylinder end ?

[@salrailfan]

I have both of the paper cartridge making kits (.44 & .36) and I have made some. But I like this idea using the Pyrodex pellets. After inserting the cartridge into the cylinder and compressing it, do you not need to put grease or other substance on top of the ball to eliminate chain fires?

[@outdoorvideoswithbrad]

I’ve been thinking about getting into cap and ball g u ns, I was doing some research last night and the only time you have trouble with pyrex powder is with flint locks cause it’s not hot enough of a spark, i got ww2 ammo so I’m no stranger to corrosive ammo just have to clean your weapon afterwards as you should anyway haha, nice simple video man👍🏻

[@Carlos-JCAES]

I have the kits but haven't made any yet. Is there a reason you would not want to just put another circle on the other side of the paper cartridge and seal it up so it's just powder? Then you can drop the powder cylinder into the revolver cylinder and just drop the ball it on top of that. Thanks.

[@Aondish]

Question: I have a Pietta 1851 brass frame in .44 and use usually shoot 15-20 grains. How many grains is your .44 cal kit for paper cartridges?

[@GunsOfTheWest]

My standard .44 kit uses a 25-grain charge. For a brass-frame revolver, I would just use real black powder because Pyrodex is a bit more powerful. Here’s the direct link to that one: gunsoftheweststore.com/products/paper-cartridge-kit-44-caliber

[@Aondish]

@@GunsOfTheWest that’s all I use in my brass frame is regular. Just wanted to make sure I wouldn’t damage the gun using your powder measure since I know bras frame tends to be a lower charge.

[@Tammy-un3ql]

Thank you for sharing

[@raysheppard8040]

As far as corrosive if cleaned when done there is none let stand a day or two you are on your own 😊

[@dudearlo]

Found some swiss ffffg at a gunshow, Shouldve bought that ffg he had on day two

[@TheIrishAmish]

You need a Belding & Mull powder measure.

[@matri5038]

Hey Dustin. Love your channel. I'm looking for a inside wasteband holster for my 1883 Pietta Remington 31 Pocket Revolver to cc it. Do u have an Idea or anyone?

[@j_4150-]

Hey Dustin I got a question for you. Do you know if you can get wax bullets for a pietta 1851 navy? Do they make them? If so where can i get some at? Thanks

[@spied9]

Nice video Dustin !! Have you ever tried making paper cartridge using pyrodex pellets if that is possible? Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years to you and your family !!!

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Merry Christmas to you too! I haven’t put pellets in paper cartridges. They’re not tapered like the paper envelopes, so I think it’s easier to just load them and then load the projectile.

[@spied9]

@@GunsOfTheWest Thank you for answering my question I think you are right I don’t know where that came out of!!! But I have used Pyrodex pellets before that are okay I have 1858 Remington and I just purchased Uberti 1860 Army fluted black powder pistol. I do enjoy your videos!!!

[@DannyRayMilligan66]

How does the fire from the cap get to the powder? Does the act of loading break the paper cartridge open? Have you noticed any delay in the time of ignition?

[@GunsOfTheWest]

@@DannyRayMilligan66 The paper is thin. The fire easily goes right through.

[@marburykeys2176]

Have you made a paper using the pellets, 30 grana?

[@Fricker112]

do y'all have any resources on percussion shotgun making? I bought some old barrels and I'm having a hard time figuring out where to go from here.

[@barlscharkley5411]

Do you ever have issues with the ash from the paper cartridges accumulating at the bottom of the cylinder chambers?

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Sometimes it leaves some in there, but it’s never been enough to cause any problems.

[@DLB1858]

No lube needed with cartridges?

[@Libbys_biggest_fan]

Great views.

[@KevinWilliams-c2p]

Didn't know pirodex was more corrosive than black powder no longer available where I live

[@improvisedsurvival5967]

Make bp yourself from stump remover. Not hard

[@davinci3259]

I'm new to black powder, cap and ball guns in general. I managed to find a local store with percussion caps, and the only powder they had was pyrodex rs. I have an 1858 army revolver and was wondering if it is ok to use the pyrodex rs in the revolver?

[@GunsOfTheWest]

In the .44 1858, RS will work pretty well. It just won’t be quite as powerful as the P.

[@davinci3259]

@@GunsOfTheWest Ok thank you. I have a couple lbs of Goex FFFG but since I have the pyrodex I would like to use it up as well.

[@JGsgarage_unboxings]

How do you store these? Or do you pretty much use them immediately?

[@GunsOfTheWest]

As long as they stay dry, they can be stored indefinitely. I keep them in boxes like those shown in the video thumbnail.

[@MrQuickdraw417]

Can Pyrodex pellets be used in these?

[@GunsOfTheWest]

Probably not because they’re not tapered like the paper.

[@FordGTmaniac]

Mike Beliveau has fired a Colt 1860 Army with 40gr of powder and Kaido's 240gr conicals before, so I know ahead of time it's possible, but can I use your cartridge kit for the Walker in my 1860 Army, but with Triple Seven instead? I can't find any evidence of anyone ever using a load that hot for an 1860 Army.

[@GunsOfTheWest]

As long as the 40-grain charge will fit (I just haven’t personally loaded that much in the 1860), the Walker former will work. However, that’s a lot for Triple Seven, so I don’t think I would do it. I do also offer a .44 XL former that loads 30 grains. Here’s the direct link to it: gunsoftheweststore.com/products/paper-cartridge-former-44-xl

[@FordGTmaniac]

@@GunsOfTheWest OK, thanks. I know that Hodgdon reccomends reducing Triple Seven loads by 15% to be safe to replicate real BP loads. Curiously, if you go the opposite route and see what 40gr of Triple Seven equates to in BP you end up with 46gr which is effectively the whole chamber full of powder without even adding the bullet yet.

[@marksprague1280]

HERESY!!!!

[@greenbroccolistudios1275]

Revolver :D

[@toddwebb7521]

I've never been a fan of pyrodex, it has more misfires and hangfires than real black or triple 7 either one for me

[@Blackpowderdad]

The dark world of pyrodex! Lol

[@triple9fine]

Let’s see some 777 cartridges

[@GunsOfTheWest]

That video is coming too.

[@improvisedsurvival5967]

Hate Pyrodex. Bp is better

[@adambielecki549]

Szkoda że nie więzyku Polskim.

[@mikepoteet1443]

I don't like paper cartridges, they always seem to hang fire. I don't like the split second delay before ignition.