Enfield Pritchett Cartridges part 3

[dromia]

The cartridges are now ready to be charged with powder.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/adamsutherland/Pritchett%20Cartridges%2012%20April%202015/IMG_7108.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/adamsutherland/Pritchett%20Cartridges%2012%20April%202015/IMG_7104.jpg


When filled the top is pinched in on the powder tube.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/adamsutherland/Pritchett%20Cartridges%2012%20April%202015/IMG_7105.jpg

And then folded over.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/adamsutherland/Pritchett%20Cartridges%2012%20April%202015/IMG_7107.jpg


Cartridges all filled with powder ready for lubing.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/adamsutherland/Pritchett%20Cartridges%2012%20April%202015/IMG_7110.jpg


To lube the bullet end of the cartridges are dipped into the melted lube, 4 parts beeswax to 1 part tallow, up to the ogive of the bullet.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/adamsutherland/Pritchett%20Cartridges%2012%20April%202015/IMG_7111.jpg


Rob Deans from Canada has done a lot of work on the Enfield cartridges and has some very good videos on the internet showing how he makes and shoots these cartridges and he has been helpful to me in developing my take on it, thank you Rob.


All that is left to do now is load and shoot.


Phwoarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!


I was at the range today and managed to try some of these Pritchetts out in a Parker Hale P53.

Shot this 4 1/2" 5 shot group at 100 yrds, rested, six-0-clock hold, wiping between shots with a barely moist patch followed by a dry patch. The hole on the right was my fouler.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/adamsutherland/Pritchett%20Cartridges%2012%20April%202015/IMG_7113.png


A sound starting point methinks to tweak from. I'm afraid the vertical stringing is something that won't go away being a function of the sights and my failing eyesight.

[dondiego]

Very nice! Can you post a picture of the boolit by itself?

[dondiego]

Very nice! Can you post a picture of the boolit by itself?

OOOPS! I should have read Parts I and 2 first!

[dromia]

Yes it is a bugger have to serialise it but the forum has a 10 picture per post limit so it has to be done in instalments, not good but how it is.

[dondiego]

Excellent description and write up. I can do this easily now. Especially like your linen crimping/ckoking set up.

[dromia]

I would urge to look for the Rob Deans videos.

The choking method is really dependant on your paper if it is "soft" enough to choke with the tying string them there is no need for the choking string.

[fouronesix]

Yes, very good write up and excellent 100 yd group. Thanks for posting. Given the good accuracy, you may not need to experiment… but are you going to try a wood base plug as per some of the originals??

[dromia]

Not with these diameter Pritchets.

However I am within spitting distance of NOE cutting a 0.550" Pritchett mould, these final Pritchett design was said to be the most accurate version but needed a plug to work. They were originally boxwood but moved to clay. When I get a 0.550" mould I will be using it with the clay plugs.

[Nobade]

So what is the proper procedure for loading? I would assume tear the end off the tube, pour powder, place bullet in muzzle, and cut or break off the paper at the end of the bullet?

-Nobade

[dromia]

That is about it.

The bullet goes in as far as the start of the ogive and then neatly tears off flush with the muzzle, the tops of the slits act as perforations and assist with a neat tear.

[Nobade]

Neat! I hope NOE goes ahead and makes those moulds we've been talking about over there. I really think I need one. That Brooks mould sure looks nice though, and the captured base plug is a nice feature.

-Nobade

[dromia]

We have ten now on the interest thread over at NOE, Al is busy installing new machinery this week but hopes to get a drawing and a GB up in a week or so.

As soon as we get the sign up on the GB thread then away we go with adjustable bullet length and all.

[Southron]

You could make up a "mould" that would you to make twenty or more base plugs at a time. Just get a flat piece of aluminum plate the same thickness as you want your base plugs.

Then have a machinist make up a "Counter sink" drill that you could use to drill out the "moulds" in the aluminum plate.

Then simply place your aluminum base plug mould sheet on a flat sheet of aluminum and using a spatula, spread automotive "Bondo" into all of the holes (or moulds) drilled with your Counter Sink tool.

Wait for the Bondo to harden and "Presto" you have your Base Plugs to be inserted into the base of your Pritchett Balls!

I cannot claim credit for the idea. Such a tool has been sold on the internet, I just cannot recall who sold it.

[dromia]

I've got one of the old Coyote plug moulds plus a couple of home made ones for different Minies.

This particular bullet doesn't require a plug there is no room for one with the short base cavity.

When I get the 0.550 mould then it will get the clay plugs, I prefer the clay to the body filler, I find it easier to work with and doesn't get air holes.

Nothing new under the sun.