Paper hulls, black powder

[Randy Zimmer]

After firing 16 gauge paper hulls reloaded with black powder, I observed black soot around the brass base on some of the hulls. Would these then be compromised and should I throw them away?

[Jeff Elder]

Randy do you have any recipes for smokeless powder in a federal 16 gauge paper hull?

[OH Osthaus]

Slice one open and see if it is burnt through

Black powder burn holes was the reason for high brass in larger loads way back. It would retain the charge just in case

[Randy Zimmer]

Jeff, I do not have any load data using smokeless powder in paper hulls. I use the paper hulls only for black powder loads.

[Mike of the Mountain]

I’d use a flashlight and shine it into the hulls, then look around the hull and see if you have any pin holes. If so, pitch them. I reload black powder shotshells in 12g paper. Federal Gold Medal and Fiocchi Super Crusher. Only paper hulls, fiber wads, nitro cards, etc. No plastic at all as it gums up the barrels.

[Cold Spring]

Modern Federal 12-gauge papers will last three reloads with black powder/fiber wads/bare shot before getting pin holes burned through the paper just above the brass. To me that means three reloads and hull is tossed.

[Randy Zimmer]

Speaking of the fiber wads, gentlemen, I have both lubed and non-lubed. Must they be lubed?

[Mike of the Mountain]

Randy, I can’t speak for anyone else but I don’t use lubed wads.

[Researcher]

Black powder burn holes was the reason for high brass in larger loads way back.

I don't think that is true. All the high brass paper cases I've ever seen were for smokeless powder. It may be the reason many preferred to load their black powder in brass cases.

[Cold Spring]

Originally Posted by Mike Koneski

Randy, I can’t speak for anyone else but I don’t use lubed wads.

Neither do I. The non-lubed wads work just fine. I always fire a smokeless shell or two through each barrel after a PB event or day's hunt and before soapy hot water cleaning. Makes bore cleaning much easier.