one of my shhoting buddies has a sharps replica??.. that uses paper cartridges... where the powder charge and projectile are inside a paper sleeve.. set off by a percussionn cap...we'd like to shoot it, but haven't got any ideas as to where to start... suggestionns on everything.. paper, powder, projectile... right now, we dont cast any bullets, so it need to be something off the shelf.....thanks in advannce....

I recommend you consult with the fine folks at Track of the Wolf http://www.trackofthewolf.com Home > Ammunition > Ammunition & supplies, by caliber, percussion > for 54 caliber percussion rifle

There's one at the local shop, calling my name.

54 cal Sharps. Not sure who the maker is.

OK, this is what I've been told, orally. I've never shot one.

Actually, you can drop a 54 cal ball/bullet into the breach, fill the gap with powder, close the gate, cap and fire.

Traditional bullet has a cannalure. Find a mandrel (a dowel works well) and roll the bullet and paper together into a tube. Tie the bullet at the cannalure with string -- butcher's twine is good.

I'm not up to speed on papers -- but they should be light. Glue the edge with a "paper mucilage" the sort of "sticky" used on old stamps and cigarette papers. I'm thinking the old "Le Pages" amber stuff in the bottle with the rubber tip on it. Haven't seen this stuff recently.

Back end is folded over and glued to the side of the paper cartridge. It's a nice touch if you glue this "tab" over the seam on the paper tube, just to reinforce the back edge of the seam.

When you load the Sharps, the breach gate cuts the back off the paper cartridge, exposing it to the primer cap.

You don't want to overload the tube. Allow for the gate to cut the cartridge end without spilling excess powder.

The string, paper, powder, bullet all goes out the muzzle on firing. I'm guessing that paper choice is more about what sort of durability you want in the cartridge than anything to do with the load. Typing/computer printer paper is 20 lb. bond. Seems an obvious place to start.