DISCLAIMER, DISCLAIMER, DISCLKAMER The information presented below is not to be considered as proper firearm training or maintenance. Firearms, including black powder rifles, are extremely dangerous and should not be considered a toy. The 3rd Alabama cannot be held liable for the improper use of a firearm or it’s handling. Please consult a certified trainer on the proper loading and use of any firearm.

One of the few reoccurring expenses in Civil War re-enacting is ammunition. Some soldiers go through 50 rounds per battle. With two or more battles a day, that adds up to a lot of ammunition.

Many re-enactors purchase their cartridges from Sutlers. Cartridges usually come 10 to a pack (some packs even have caps included!). Packs range in price from $3.00 and up. If you do the math, each battle can cost as much as $15.

Some hardier re-enactors roll their own cartridges. The biggest expense is for black powder, which usually runs around $10/pound. You can get about 100 rounds per pound which makes rolling your own cartridges 1/3 the price of buying them.

Although it may sound daunting, rolling your own cartridges is fun, relaxing and easy to do once you get the hang of it. Here's how…

You will need the following supplies and equipment: Paper, Ruler, Pen or pencil, Scissors, and a ½" dowel 8" long

Place a mark on the dowel 4 1/4 inches from one end. Mark the dowel with a pen or pencil all the way around.

Hollow out the end of the dowel closest to the mark you just made (this step is based on user preference).

The paper commonly used is the type found as packing material inside of boxes. Make sure the paper is flat and smooth without wrinkles.

Measure and cut the paper into shapes as shown below.

Position the paper with the widest part to your left and the shortest part towards your right, as shown below.

Place the dowel on the paper, aligning the right edge of the paper with the mark you made on the dowel earlier.

Carefully roll the paper around the dowel making sure it remains tight.

Twist and fold the excess onto itself and press the dowel on a hard surface. This keeps the end from coming loose.

Remove the dowel.

Fill with black powder based on your rifles caliber.

Place a crease in the tube close to the top of the powder. It's important to fold the paper over the diagonal edge otherwise you won't be able to secure the tab that you are about to create.

When finished, fold 1/3 of the tab on the left side onto itself. Fold the other side onto itself again until it looks like the picture below.

Carefully slip this tab into the diagonal edge on the side of the cartridge and you're finished!

Happy shooting!