In reading old posts and web articles about Paper Cartridges, I finally understand how (maybe) to make and shoot PCs.
In Dances With Wolves one of Kevin Costner's men loads a rifle by tearing the end off of a paper cartridge and pouring the powder down the barrel. I'm not sure if the ball was on top of the powder or not, but the whole PC did not go down the barrel.
So, I thought, PCs were just like early, disposable speed loaders. They just hold premeasured powder and a ball for faster firing. I further thought that you used regular paper and just closed the ends somehow with powder and ball inside.
Then I saw Gatofeo's post on making nitrated paper. The whole thing makes sense now! You load the entire PC and ram it home. The whole PC burns! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
Still have some questions though:
1. Some articles point out that you should pierce the PCs through the nipples before firing. Others omit this step. If you don't pierce the PCs, isn't it a little like lighting a cannon fuse? Long delay before firing?
2. Does anybody sell pre-made PCs for popular cap&ball revolvers?
3. Would anybody have original PC boxes, and be willing to post pictures? I'd be interested in seeing how they were packaged during the Civil War.
4. Is it necessary to mark the end of the PC with the lead ball?
5. Any other hints in making your own PCs? One of the best articles I found was at WWW.CIVILWARGUNS.COM.
Thanks for you assistance.