English .577 paper cartridges w/Pritchett bullts

[Jim]

Thanks for the compliment. Perhaps I was a bit harsh about the Federal cartridges.

I see your point on one thing but call on the second. ("see you," "call," that's a joke) But I do mean what I say.
I do agree that the US cartridge was manufactured to high standards right down to swaging the bullets for form and uniformity. The paper used was of a quality uncommon today except from pricey stationary sets.
What I disagree with is the lube/fouling point. The Yank had to stand and peel his bullet out of the paper at least from the second or third shot. That, along with the quantity of .577 P1853 rifles in the ranks is why they reduced the bullet diameter.
Here is a link with primary source instructions on making and loading cartridges of the US pattern. <http://www.n-ssa.org/blog/2016/6/9/t...ball-cartridge>

But, the lube on the British cartridge with its lower windage could be fired almost indefinitely w/out cleaning or jamming the bore. Fallibility in the Confederate manufacturing system is why they included instructions to the troops to load the bare bullet if needed.
By example, one (modern) shooter wrote that he could; "With 550-caliber Pritchett bullets..., using straight beeswax for lube, a baked clay plug, and 13lb cotton rag paper, I can reliably... fire 40 rounds consecutively without any need to wipe the bore."
Another shooter wrote; "I shot 20-30 shots in a row without cleaning, and had no difficulties in loading any shots. The paper cartridges seem to shoot more cleanly than naked bullets; I suspect the paper patch scrubs the bore during loading and shooting."

Here are two forum threads that get very in-depth on this subject (Paper cartridges). <http://www.n-ssa.net/vbforum/showthr...range-tomorrow> And, <http://noebulletmolds.com/smf/index....owposts;u=1511>

As for testing my cartridges, Sunday was called on count of rain. I'll try them yet!