When loading Chassepot paper cartridges, most people I’ve known use a winged musket cap. A portion is removed from each side or holes drilled to allow the explosion to easily reach the powder. The remaining wings are then glued to a cardboard disk. This is then inserted into the paper case with the cap facing in the opposite direction than for a normal cartridge. This is because this gun uses a long needle to pierce though the back of the paper case, through a rubber disk before striking the anvil causing ignition.
My question is, has it ever been tried using the primer in the normal direction and the needle striking the primer like a firing pin? A primer touching a card disk against compressed BP, shouldn’t move much and I think it would go off.
The only problem I see is the needle may not hold up always contacting the metal of the primer.
Anyone have any thoughts on this? I’m tempted to try it, but don’t want to take any chances that could damage this antique gun.