Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Shooting Traditional Firearms and Weapons => General Interest => Topic started by: shibbershabber on December 24, 2015, 01:17:05 PM

Title: paper cartridges for shot?
Post by: shibbershabber on December 24, 2015, 01:17:05 PM

I've recently acquired a Pedersoli Brown Bess and have begun loading paper cartridges with round ball...

I'm wondering if it would be feasible to load some shot instead of a ball?

On a recent trip to the scrap yard, I came across 25# bags of Remington #3 shot. I got them for .60/lb! Needless to say I bought all of it as pure lead is tougher to find now.

Any thoughts?
Would seem more efficient than the usual powder/card/wad/shot/card method.

I think I'll make some up and see how they hold up in the field... Test patterning, etc.

Would be nice for small game.

Title: Re: paper cartridges for shot?
Post by: Caddo on December 24, 2015, 01:26:33 PM

I've did it a few times,  been a few articles about doing it in Muzzleloader magazine in years past.  Works pretty good if you want to spend the time making them. The trick is to get them to open up after the shot or you end up with one big hole in the target  

Title: Re: paper cartridges for shot?
Post by: Ironhand on December 24, 2015, 07:02:47 PM

I have used paper shot cups for years. They are very effective. I have not tried a full paper cartridge and I suspect that you would have trouble getting a consistent pattern.

You might be better off with a separate powder cartcartridge  and shot cup. Let us know how it goes.

Title: Re: paper cartridges for shot?
Post by: Riley/MN on December 25, 2015, 10:41:48 AM

I know that a paper shot cup that doesn't open up makes for a heckuva slug.....