Making Brown Bess Paper Cartridges

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will learn how to make military-style paper cartridges for the Brown Bess musket using a cartridge kit from Jefferson Arsenal. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions, essential tips, and techniques to ensure you create effective cartridges for historical shooting practices.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before starting, ensure you have the following materials:

• Brown Bess paper cartridge kit from Jefferson Arsenal
• Pre-cut paper for cartridges
• A forming dowel
• Thread for tying off
• Scissors
• C-clamp or screws for securing the choking block
• 2Fg black powder (for loading)

Step 2: Prepare Your Workstation

• Secure the choking block to your workbench using a C-clamp or screws.
• Arrange your workspace so you have enough room to maneuver and assemble the cartridges comfortably.

Step 3: Cut Thread for Tying

• Cut the thread from the kit into individual 6-inch pieces. You will need these for tying off your cartridges.

Step 4: Form the Cartridge

1. Take a piece of pre-cut paper and position it with the wide end at the top and the short end at the bottom, angled to the left.
2. Insert the forming dowel into the wide end of the paper and begin wrapping it tightly around the dowel.
3. After about one complete turn, press your finger into the paper to create a small pocket.
4. Place a 69 caliber ball in the pocket with the sprue facing up.

Step 5: Seal the Cartridge

1. Continue wrapping the paper around the ball and dowel.
2. Fold the top flap of paper over to create a choke.
3. Tie the choke tightly with a piece of thread, ensuring the ball is securely enclosed.
4. Trim the excess thread with scissors.

Step 6: Load Powder into the Cartridge

1. Prepare to load the cartridge with powder after sealing.
2. Use 124 grains of 2Fg black powder, as this replicates the historical load.
3. After filling, fold the tail of the cartridge over to secure the powder.

Step 7: Mark the Cartridges

• If you are including priming powder in the cartridge, mark it with a "P." This helps differentiate between cartridges with and without priming powder.

Step 8: Practice and Refine Your Technique

• After making several cartridges, practice the technique to improve your speed and accuracy.
• Consider using a glue stick to secure the paper more tightly, preventing it from opening during handling.

Conclusion

You have successfully made military-style paper cartridges for the Brown Bess musket. Remember to practice your technique to improve the quality of your cartridges. For further exploration, consider loading and firing your cartridges to experience historical shooting methods firsthand. Don't forget to check out the Jefferson Arsenal for more supplies and resources. Happy shooting!