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The end result looks ragged by comparison
to modern products. They used drawings in the books way back then,
such as the 58 Minie cartridge to the left and 69 round ball Musket cartridge to the right.
There is no primer with the exception of
the European Dreyse Needlegun. Flintlock guns are fired by the flint
striking an iron frizzen showing sparks onto a small amount of powder
outside the barrel with a touch hole to carry the resulting miniature fire
into the barrel. The later percussion guns have the hammer snap down on a
percussion cap where an explosive mixture sends
burning sparks down a tube and hole
to ignite the powder charge.
From late in the 19th century until a few
decades ago, there wasn't a convenient source for combustible paper
until the North-South Skirmish
Association popularized shooting the Civil War guns and
Dixie Gun Works became a well
recognized supplier. Until then, the only commonly available alternate source
was to use the
paper sold for rolling one's own cigarettes, which already had glue along one
edge. Those who were familiar with the dexterity needed to roll
their own cigarettes found making combustible cartridges an interesting
and enjoyable challenge. Since then, however, it's much easier and
more satisfactory to make your own combustible cartridges with
previously nitrated paper already cut into handy sizes.
Disclaimer--The guns that
use paper cartridges and some of the components are illegal for some
people to own in some places. Check your national, state, province, local,
and planned unit or condominium laws, rules, and regulations.
More About Civil War Guns
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