A glutton for punishment.

[Pb2au]

I have determined that I will move forward with learning the macabre art of paper patching for my Pedersoli Rolling block creedmore rifle. Yes, I am glutton for punishment...
Now I have been in theoretical mode for a while now, gathering and studying information on the practices of this project. Now that I am not working a zillion hours a weeks and traveling so much (hence my absence here for a while), I can start to dedicate some real time for this.
It is now time to move into the practical universe, and acquire a mold.
The rifle is chambered in 45/70, and I plan on working in the 500-ish grain envelope.
Do any of you fine folks have a recommendation for sourcing a mold? Manufacturer/style/adjustable/etc.
I am getting some solid returns on my on line searching, but I always value practical experience.

Many thanks for the consideration, if more info would help a reply, please do not hesitate to ask.

 

[Ian]

If you want to play with smokeless powder, I have a little experience and a straightforward method that works for me. For gunpowder loads, Mike Venturino's book on the subject is very informative.

 

[Pb2au]

The plan is to go whole hog and use black powder for this. Thanks for reminding me about Mike V's book and experience. That one is on it's way now.

 

[300BLK]

Paul Matthews' "The Paper Jacket" is a must read for PPing.

I've done some PPing. .451" 255gr WFN LBTs for use in a 45-70 levergun, a .434" 400gr LFN with no grooves cut by LBT for the .43 Mauser, and 500ish gr tapered, PP from a borrowed Tom Ballard mold. I WISH I had that Tom Ballard mold because it was without a doubt, the way to go. The taper allowed the bullet to be thumbed up into the throat with about 1/4" in the case and shot ragged hole groups at 100 yards from my Ruger #1 45-70 over ffg. Recoil was stout.

When loading BP PPed, you'll need a grease cookie sandwiched between cards under the bullet. This how original BP PP loads were made. Be aware that you should use high cotton content rag paper or vellum. Common printer paper contains clay and is abrasive.

I wiped the dried paper jackets with SPG, but Paul Matthews method of "waterproofing" sounded like a better way. I recall he submerged his dried, PPed bullets into melted beeswax (wire basket)long enough for the bullets to get hot. This allowed the excess beeswax to run off. Some BP lubes may cause the PP to soften.

 

[Ian]

Matthews' book is a good read too, and focuses more on the patch itself than the whole "system" of loading for the big-bore rifles. I think The Paper Jacket is still in print.

 

[300BLK]

Matthews' book is a good read too, and focuses more on the patch itself than the whole "system" of loading for the big-bore rifles. I think The Paper Jacket is still in print.

Paul died just a couple of weeks back; he was 89.

 

[Pb2au]

That is a shame to hear. I have a couple of his books and you really couldn't ask for a better voice to take you along.