Chassepot Cartridge Modification

[rescuerandy2]

Good Afternoon. Only being able to head to the range once/month, I have successfully fired just one round through my Chassepot in sixth months of trying. Using various types of paper wrapped 2/3/4 times to try to stiffen it, cap-in-cap modification, and much swearing, I was totally frustrated till yesterday.

After much reflection, I have come up with a solution that gave me 10 out of 10 ignitions yesterday at the range. Using ¼’ cardboard tubes (PyroDirect.com - Fireworks Supplies, Cannon Fuse, Fireworks Paper Tubes and Much More - Pyro Direct - Online Store) made for fireworks, I mounted the tube to the musket cap and cut the tube to 42mm. The tube fits snugly over the standard 4-wing musket cap and it left enough room in the paper cartridge to use 65gr of FF. This load, with one vegetable wad between a .446 bullet and the top of the small tube/powder, brought the OAL to 70mm. There was a slight push necessary to close the bolt, but I finally have a working, consistent Chassepot.

I know purist will not approve, but I have been trying to get this rifle to shoot for a long time and just enjoy putting lead down range. If the ghost of Emperor Napoleon III objects, I would hope he can appreciate one of his old troopers in action one more time.

Randy

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[Patrick Chadwick]

Excellent!

I have had precisely the same frustration, following various recommendations that just did not work. Outer tubes stiff enough to ensure ignition had no chance of being blown out through the barrel, leaving a mess that would have to be pushed back out from the front with a clearing rod. I had considered something like you have tried, but wouldn't have the time to try it out until after the competition season.

So many, many thanks for having demonstrated a practical solution

[rescuerandy2]

Thanks Patrick. If anyone has questions please feel free to email. Randy

[Aussie48]

Smart solution to a vexing problem

Dick

[jmoore]

So the tube is not full of powder, no? More of a freespace that allows the needle full velocity impact? Or is it more of a guide to ensure hits on the cap?

[rescuerandy2]

Good Morning. The tube is filled with powder along with filling the space between the tube and the paper cartridge with powder. That outer space is not large and I was able to get 65gr of FF into the two spaces. In my configuration, I came out at 70mm and had to just squeeze the bolt home a bit.

You will find the tube, when cut to make a tight fit between the musket cap and the base of your bullet, acts like a central spine making a very rigid round.

I did have some FFF in the musket cap. Will try without the powder next month. Also did not need the small cap in the musket cap to get ignition.

Randy

[rescuerandy2]

Here is the general layout of the tube in the tube. Randy

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