These cartridges are a faithful reproduction of the originals, and come completed up to the point of adding gunpowder.
 
At the outset of the American Civil War, the arsenals of both North and South were unable to produce weaponry at a sufficient pace to keep up with their rapidly expanding armies. To remedy this problem, they turned either to older models of firearms, or to overseas manufacturers to fill the gaps in weapons production. Two of these firearms which were issued during the Civil War were the .54 caliber Austrian “Lorenz” rifle and the venerable old M1841 “Mississippi” rifle. Though the new conical ball had been adopted for use in these rifles, many arsenals continued manufacturing and issuing .54 caliber round ball cartridges. Some older veterans of the Mexican War even preferred using a patched round ball in their rifles as they had South of the Rio Grande fifteen years before.
 
The cartridges are constructed of sturdy, brown paper wrapped around a soft lead, .530cal round ball, which has been patched with muslin and lubricated with the period correct beeswax/mutton tallow mixture. The top of the cartridge is open and ready to receive a charge of powder. Included is an Arsenal wrapper with a period-correct label so that you can bundle your completed cartridges. The illustrated instruction sheet will guide you through the proper method of folding the rounds shut. All materials and processes are historically accurate, and have been based off the instructions found in the 1841 US Army Ordnance Manual.
 
Ten rounds come in each pack- just add powder and they’re ready for the range!
 
Want to try your hand at constructing your own cartridges? Click here to see our .54cal cartridge kit!