Antique Cartridge Works

Paper patching is among the most exacting steps in the preparation of .577/.450 Martini-Henry cartridges. The patch must be cut precisely to the geometry of the bullet, dampened evenly, wrapped without overlap or gap, and allowed to dry fully before the bullet can be handled or seated. As it dries, the cotton fibre paper shrinks firmly onto the cast body, becoming in effect a second skin that brings the bullet from its cast diameter of .458″ to the loaded diameter of .468″. The ends of the patch extend slightly beyond the base and nose and require trimming flush before assembly — a step that most assemblers find straightforward but time-consuming when preparing cartridges in quantity.

These bullets have the patch applied and dried. The protruding paper at each end is left untrimmed, as trimming is best done immediately before seating. No lubrication is applied; buyers assemble with lubrication as part of their own cartridge-making process.

The paper used is Southworth Parchment Deed, a 100% cotton fibre sheet that is period-appropriate in composition and produces a patch of consistent thickness and strength. The brass cutting template used in production was supplied alongside the X-Ring Services mould and is cut specifically to the geometry of the No. 45-505XR bullet.

Bullets are cast from a 12:1 lead-to-tin alloy matching the War Office specification for the original service cartridge. The tin content improves mould fill and produces a slightly harder bullet than pure lead, which performs correctly under the compression of the paper patch. Bullets are cast from the X-Ring Services No. 45-505XR single-cavity aluminium mould, designed specifically for the .577/.450 paper-patch application.

Patches are cut from Southworth Parchment Deed 100% cotton fibre paper using a dedicated brass template. Each patch is applied to the bullet damp and allowed to dry completely before packing. The result is a tight, even wrap that requires no adhesive and will not shift during handling or seating.