Cartridge Rolling Part I Making the Tube

	Use Artists Newsprint. This paper is available at office and art suppy stores, is strong enough (0.05" thick) yet easily torn with teeth, and resembles the paper used on original cartridges. Don't use copy machine/inkjet/laser/bond paper which is often bleached white, difficult to tear open, unsightly, and slow to decompose. Don't use or printed newspaper which is only 0.03" thick, weak, doesn't hold a fold, and falls apart too easily.
	Each sheet of paper will yield 16 cartridges when cut to these dimensions.
	Use a 6" x 5/8" diameter wooden cartridge former, with one end cupped. The cupped end was used to hold the lead ball in place while rolling the tube. We use the cupped end to form the crimped end of the cartridge. The end of the former should be approximately 1/2" from the paper edge. Don't use any former smaller than 5/8" diameter, otherwise the cartridge will not fit snugly in the block. This is a safety issue. Most of the blank ammo found on the field after a battle is due to undersize cartridges that bounce out of block while troops are marching.
	Roll towards the pointed end of the paper, and keep the paper taut against the former.
	Halfway done rolling the cartridge tube.
	With the paper completely rolled up against the former, check that you have approx 1/2" between end of fomer and edge of paper. Adjust as necessary.
	Fold the paper inwards from all sides.
	Twist the folded ends together.
	The result of the paper ends folded and twisted together.
	Push the twisted paper ends into the cupped end of the former.
	View of the twisted paper end after being pushed into the cupped end.
	View of completed paper tube when removed from the former.

His Majesty's 40th Reg. of Foot. © 2008.

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