BIT: Zig Zags for Black powder catridges

Jered · Post by **Jered** » Sat Jul 02, 2016 8:24 am

I got myself a cap and ball revolver, and I'm looking for a way to make it quicker to reload than measuring every charge of loose powder.

Anyone have any experience using zig-zags or cigarette rolling papers for this?

Netpackrat · Post by **Netpackrat** » Sat Jul 02, 2016 9:14 am

No, but if you have an 1858 Remington and a spare loaded cylinder, that's supposed to be a fairly fast reload.

Jered · Post by **Jered** » Sat Jul 02, 2016 9:17 am

I don't have a spare cylinder yet.

I'm looking for a way to save time measuring the black powder.

PawPaw · Post by **PawPaw** » Sat Jul 02, 2016 11:40 am

I have exactly zero experience with BP revolvers, but it sounds like a good idea. I've seen BP revolver cartridges in museums, etc. Someone in the 19th century thought it was a good idea.

So, Google is your friend. LINKY HERE.

First Shirt · Post by **First Shirt** » Sat Jul 02, 2016 12:07 pm

Yeah, but that whole "nitrated paper" thing is a little unsettling. We use nitrocellulose filter papers for some of our water chemistry tests, and it's really amazing how fast those little buggers go up! If they were bigger, they'd be perfect for what you have in mind, but they're only about 1.5 inches in diameter.

MarkD · Post by **MarkD** » Sat Jul 02, 2016 12:57 pm

You can make paper cartridges, use the glue to attach a tube to the ball, add powder and fold the end over. Drop the whole thing in the chamber and ram.

Alternately, pre measure powder into little cups or something, and load from there.

Dinochrome One · Post by **Dinochrome One** » Sat Jul 02, 2016 2:32 pm

Don't you have a regular powder-flask? With the replica Colt flask with a twenty-grain spout, I can powder all six chambers in just a few seconds, put the balls on and ram just like the old days. Besides, I've heard that those tissue-paper "cartridges" were pretty delicate.

Mike OTDP · Post by **Mike OTDP** » Sat Jul 02, 2016 2:55 pm

They were delicate. I'd suggest using pre-measured charges. I like Speer shot capsules for them. Very compact.

Let me walk you through the process. Snap caps. Pour first charge in. Put filler in. Put ball on top. Ram home. Repeat with next chamber. I can load six rounds in under three minutes, it just takes practice.

Jered · Post by **Jered** » Sat Jul 02, 2016 3:29 pm

I want to try it...just to post pictures of zig zags on my facebook page.

HTRN · Post by **HTRN** » Sat Jul 02, 2016 3:46 pm

That reminds me, I need to buy a pack of zigzags..

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BIT: Zig Zags for Black powder catridges

BIT: Zig Zags for Black powder catridges

Re: BIT: Zig Zags for Black powder catridges

Re: BIT: Zig Zags for Black powder catridges

Re: BIT: Zig Zags for Black powder catridges

Re: BIT: Zig Zags for Black powder catridges

Re: BIT: Zig Zags for Black powder catridges

Re: BIT: Zig Zags for Black powder catridges

Re: BIT: Zig Zags for Black powder catridges

Re: BIT: Zig Zags for Black powder catridges

Re: BIT: Zig Zags for Black powder catridges