Revolutionary War Reenacting Cartridge-making

[@BillBahr11]

Please note that a lot more information about cartridge making is included in the written description of the video (above). Eg, I recently watched a fellow reenactor show me how he loaded cartridges using a scoop he fashioned to carry the desired powder charge. Wondering later what my recommended 85 grains of powder would look like in a teaspoon measure, I discovered that 85 grains is virtually the same as a level teaspoon! The dynamics now are a little different: you'll need to pour the powder over a bowl into the teaspoon measure, level it, then use a funnel or paper cone to pour the measured powder into the cartridge. Maybe (or maybe not) a little easier than the method described in my video. Again, good luck and happy reenacting!

[@billbahr]

I have also seen someone use a home-made scoop made from a shotgun-shell cut to the desired length that holds the appropriate amount of powder.

[@HeartDigger9]

thank you very much just made my first powder charge

[@billbahr]

Thanks for the thanks! Good luck on your reenacting!

[@Hammerli280]

FWIW, there are powder dispensing funnels that can be screwed onto powder cans. This would make pouring charges easier.

[@BillBahr11]

Thanks for the comment! Yes, from Track of the Wolf, I bought a POWDER-CAP-V (Powder Cap with brass valve threaded to accept spouts, metal cap for GOEx metal powder cans -- around $12) and a SP-090 Measure Spout (90 grains black powder, 10-mm thread for flask or valve, brass, made in USA -- around $4). Sure makes pouring and clean-up a lot easier!

[@89boy38]

Great video

[@eddiebivens6570]

Is the dowel size really for fitting in cartridge box not size of ball?

[@iac4357]

@ ~ 3:30 mins, a little Elmer's glue on the end will better hold it together, and is accurate for a french style cartridge.

[@billbahr]

Thanks, but OTOH, here's something just in from the Northwest Territory Alliance's (Rev War reenacting) commander: "A reminder NWTA [www.nwta.com] By-Laws under Para 8 c. ii. Cartridges states: 2. Shall NOT be closed or sealed with anything, including but not limited to: staples, tape, glue, string, or wax. 3. Wadding or patching in a cartridge is considered a projectile and is FORBIDDEN. A participant found to be in possession of a wadded cartridge is considered to be in possession of a live round." I don't know exactly why a cartridge whose gunpowder is meant to be emptied into a barrel and the paper then discarded is disallowed, but I guess the NWTA no-glue rule is "better safe than sorry." ... Just found this out. NWTA is worried about that, probably rare reenactment event, when someone drops the empty cartridge into the barrel. The hardened by glue cartridge then becomes a dangerous projectile, which could hurt a reenactor in the opposing line. Stay safe!

[@timothyshaner8926]

.69 ball wrapped in paper is too large for a .69 caliber Charleville...

[@BillBahr11]

Video here is for reenacting (no balls used). For ball cartridge making, check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4q4gZSOYquSpKM and note comment below video that ball would have been .662 caliber or smaller; some use .625 among other smaller sizes. Here's a lot more information: www.bahrnoproducts.com/Charleville_Firing_and_Cleaning.htm

[@TheDave570]

I don't think you want double your charge for a ball cartridge!! That's 160 to 170 grains of 3F!! Oh my!! your asking for trouble on that one !!!

[@BillBahr11]

+TheDave570 Thanks for your concern and comment, but please note that near 4:00, I said "double F" (FFg) powder may used be for actual ball firing. Double F is not the same as triple F (FFFg or 3Fg as seen on can). I didn't say or mean "double your charge," which would indeed be dangerous. For all uses, reenactment and range, it's best to consult with your safety officer. Hope this helps clarify any issues. More information at www.bahrnoproducts.com/Charleville_Firing_and_Cleaning.htm Thanks again!