[G. A-R-West]

Gentlemen,

A short video featuring shooting an 18 mm Prussian M.39/55 musket with a copy of a M.1839/55 Minié Patrone.

Perforations around the height of the first cannelure circumference of the cartridge assisted its separation whilst loading thereby effectively providing a paper patch, these perforations were applied after the bullet was inserted into the cartridge. The bullet was placed base downwards into the case and the paper pushed into its base cavity and the culot was then inserted securing the excess base paper to the case. The paper disc plug seated on the bullet ogive; cartridge was then charged with black powder. Excess paper folded over the top and a black band of paper held the tab closed. For lubrication the base was then dipped in heated tallow/wax up to the perforations.

G and L A-R-West

 

[TP]

Thanks for posting that, but, sadly, I am not getting the video just the single image. The rifled M1839 smoothbores are hard to find and you gave an excellent description of the method of cartridge manufacture and loading.

 

[G. A-R-West]

Prussian M.39/55

Thank you TP,

We have examined the video on YouTube, it seems to be functioning correctly. You are correct, rifled M.39/55 are difficult to find in decent shooting condition. Recoil is quite punishing with the 18 mm bullet. We are lucky to have a couple in our collection, the other is Neupreußisches Infanteriegewehr 1809/12 UM System Miniè. Our basic interest are German, French and Italian needle rifles, but it is great fun to shoot muzzle loaders as well for ballistic research.

Next time we shall evaluate the M.39/55 with its Dillenbajonett as these rifles were regulated with fixed bayonet.

For additional interest, have attached a Hanovarian M.54/66 rifled musket shooting a Nessler cartridge (Neβler’sche Expansiongeshoss patrone), and hope to add it to YouTube in the future - with its bayonet fixed.

Thank you again.

G and L A-R-West