New and Improved Blank Rounds

The 1859 Sharps rifles wasn't designed to be blank fired and it can take a reenactor quite a bit of trial and error to find the perfect combination of powder, blank style, percussion cap brand, and other considerations to get the most reliability out on the reenacting battlefield. Some reenactors consistently struggle to get their rifle to fire reliably for years. Until now. Years ago, I had an idea of making a full size blank much like a pre-made revolver blank where powder and cream of wheat are combined in one paper cartridge that can be reloaded from a period-correct revolver ammunition box. I also thought that this full size round would be more effective because it would put the base of the round right in front of the flash hole on the block with no where to go. My problem with flat base rounds is that the shock of the cap going off would blast the whole round all the up into the chamber and be to far away to ignite.
     Well, fast forward and the wonderful Private Christiansen came to this idea himself, too, but unlike me he actually followed through with the research and development. These rounds are pretty incredible to shoot and by far the most reliable blanks we've ever ran. Watch the video for the full tutorial. This information is for education and demonstration only and reenactors should make sure any changes in one's blanks meet all the required safety guidelines of their reenacting organization and follow the safety and other guidelines of their rifle's manufacturer.