Blank loads for ceremonies.

[BoomerT]

Any tips on putting together blank loads for a firing party at a ceremony? Probably using .69 3 band. Thanks.

[Muley Gil]

Roll up some paper tubes and add powder. I would go with at least 80 grains in a smoothbore. Don't put the paper in the barrel and don't ram. Of course, shoot pointed up.

[RaiderANV]

Most reenactors use 80-100 grains of powder and as Gil said DO NOT put the paper down the barrel or a ramrod. The powder will fall to the bottom and make plenty of noise when it goes off. Putting the paper down the barrel and tamping it will make ever so slightly more of a bang. Yet doing so will leave burning embers from the shot waiting for you to dump more powder in and it'll go off in your face or at the least burn your hand badly.

[Jim_Burgess_2078V]

Unlike reenactors who don't use ramrods for safety reasons, the National Park Service does allow ramrods in living history weapons demonstrations for better authenticity and wadded up cartridge paper is rammed after the powder charge (60 grains for .58 caliber and 75 grains for .69 caliber arms) is poured down the barrel. I have never experienced any cook-offs using paper cartridges in many years of NPS demonstrations. Occasionally we will see some smoldering paper a few yards in front of the firing line. Just be careful not to fire blanks in an area of dry grass or leaves (shouldn't be a problem this year).

Jim Burgess, 15th CVI
(Museum Specialist, Manassas NBP)