The overall design and construction of the paper and patched cartridge used here (by yourself and from the historical references) have given me an inspiration for mass producing my own for my percussion muzzleloader, a .50 cal Hawken St.Louis rifle. Hope to see more videos on your channel soon.
Another excellent video. You would have to be one of the most accurate and informational video makers in the weapons category on YT. Thanks from New Zealand.
Nice video as always. It is interesting the difference in accuracy in patched vs cartridge in the rifle, I actually got the opposite results from my smooth bore Brown Bess.
A comparison between the 1800 Baker and the 1803 Harper's Ferry (the weapon of choice for the comparatively short lived US Regiment of Rifleman) would make a very interesting video indeed.
@@mpetersen6 The Hawken was produced for the large game (particularly bears) that trappers were running into out West. Hence it was typically a heavy caliber, like a .54 with a heavier bullet than the Pennsylvania or Kentucky rifle. Trying to compare the Baker to the long rifle isn't quite fair as one was built just for military use and the other for hunting and target shooting.
+Mac Anix It was bugging me all day, blowing in the wind... purposeless, whimsical, dancing in the breeze.... Taunting me and taxing my concentration... Had to be done...
thank you for this video, my knowledge of paper cartridges comes only from watching the Sharp movies. So seeing the paper cartridge used as wadding, and the lack of spitting the ball in was an eye opener, and interesting.
+MrTacons Sharpe has done lots for the era.... Good and bad.... The books and shows have cultivated a keen interest in the era but unfortunately, they are not at all historical when it comes to weapons handling... Good stories though!
Awesome and informative as usual. great job. I look forward to the follow up video to this one. I guess I need to start saving my pennies - just have to get myself one of the kits so I too can have an example of my all time favourite flintlock firearm.
+JohnnyH1982 A bit of the same here... Some good days and some horrendous... Frankie MacDonald has seen fit to comment on it so you know it has been bad. Great to hear from you. Hope all is well. Had a chance to chat with Tom the other day.. Great to hear from him too!
I sometimes use paper cartridges in my early Virginia flintlock rifle. I dip the ball end of the paper cartridge in SPG lube. Then when loading, I ram the ball down with the lube dipped paper around the ball. This helps some with windage and fouling, but I still wipe the bore between shots. Groups are very good at 35-40 yards. Never tried them at longer ranges. Average spread is about 2-3 inches. 50 cal. 175 grain ball with 60 grains ffg.
The lube will certainly help, especially if the windage is tight. In a military context, there wasn't any used on cartridges, though. Outside of historical shooting, anything goes, of course! Cheers.
You and Duelist1954 have infected me, I just ordered my first Flintlock Rifle kit. My second one will be a TRS Baker, but my first has family significance and is similar to what the 95th would have faced in New Orleans. I ordered one of Jim Kiblers beautiful Southern Mountain Rifles, it is a Western North Carolina styled Rifle while Andy Jackson's Tennessee Rifles and my family would have used the similar East Tennessee style rifles. Anyway I now have your peculiar disease and I hope you are happy ;)
Very interesting when You visit the Waterloo battlefield. The KGL units used the paper cartridges when they defended La Haye Sainte and a little far from that the 95th was shooting off the French artillerymen on long distances with the patched bullets.
I'm sure that every rifleman had a mixture of ammunition. Indeed, the defence of La Haye Saint was for the most part desperate and close range... as for the the 95th in the sandpit, the Grand Battery was a bit too far away for rifle shooting, but certainly, as D'Erlon attacked there would have been ample targets...
Excellent presentation. As Sharpe says "All you have to do is stand, and fire three rounds a minute. Now you and I know you can fire three rounds a minute...... But can you stand?" :)
Great shooting! We all seem to be getting pretty consistent results with our rb tests. The Baker's group seems a little wider than I was able to get, however my '42 has a much longer barrel. I can't wait to get my hands on one of Pedersolis new Whitworths!
+murpheysmuskets Thanks Murph. That Whitworth will make for a few good videos, eh?! I imagine that the longer barrel (and the percussion lock especially) would make for a much better grouping.
Interestingly enough, I have yet to uncover anything indicating fast marching until the 20th century. Plenty of Rifles' specific mention in the Victorian pams, but never anything regarding marching. The tunes are a mix of Light Infantry and Rifles stuff.
Ah,.... the most difficult and stressful part of the build. I used a drill press, a level, and a clamp to drill the keyways through the barrel key loops with the barrel clamped in place... Three holes side by side, then finished it out with jewellers files and a knife. There is a better way using a press with a locating nail clamped to the base pointing up, matching exactly the tip of the drill bit...
Interesting video. I remember visiting Waterloo and the guide told us the KGL at La Haye Sainte ran out of ammo because the Baker rifle used a smaller round and the Brown Bess ammo was incompatible. I would have hated to of been them!
It's important to know that not all the KGL were armed with the Baker. Only a fraction. There were the Light Bns and the Sharpshooters of the Light Companies of the Line Bns. That said, these were the troops (about 400) who mainly garrisoned the farm.
Another great vid mate and a big thanks Also a thanks for inspiring me, with your Snider vid, to buy my first non-flintlock gun for my collection at an auction last weekend - an 1865 .577 Snider action rifle by London Arms Co., 35,1/2 ins full stocked three banded barrel Its a real beauty in lovely condition - shame of it is it will only ever sit on the wall with my other guns - no firing them for me as Im a Brit. Cheers again mate and looking forward to more in the Snider series.
+sandmanhh67 Nice to hear about your Snider... You should really make some enquiries at a local club and jump through hoops to get your licence... You won't regret it.
I have always loved the Baker Rifle since i first saw it in the Sharpe television show. While i still prefer the Hawken style rifle, the Baker is a close second for me
When you get around to the follow up, I would be interested in seeing loose but preached ball especially when the patch has been cut in a cross shape. I am not sure how to adhere the patch to the ball. Possibly beeswax? Thank you for the great videos!
Hi there. I am experimenting with a number of types of patched ball cartridge right now and that style is one of them. The key is to get the shape right so it completely seals the bore, at least that's the way I'm approaching it!... Cheers.
That's a nice looking rifle. I dont have any experience with any of the British or Canadian arms. I'm from Maryland and used to running around the Pennsylvania and Virginia woods with a long rifle, a Hawken or at times a Zouave rifle of American Civil War time. I'm in Kansas now, however. Just came across your channel, very enjoyable.
The 1803 rifle the Lewis and Clark expedition used is similar if not identical in application to the baker rifle that was adopted in the year 1800 by the British Army especially the 95th rifle regiment at Waterloo in 1815
It was taunting me all day..... whimsically fluttering in the breeze, distracting me from my shooting, saying "Oooo, Ooooo, Ooooo, betchyou can't hit me!"
+tsmgguy Without getting into a To-mah-to/To-may-to argument..... My French tells me that it is pronounced Sah-bow..... Say-bow would be "American"..... :-)... Sah-Bot would be Canadian...... hahaha.
Pure devilment that ending Rob, great video as always. It also shows off the rifle very well which is great ( and bloody annoying as I am STILL waiting for my copy Baker to arrive ) but has almost convinced me to shoot my original 1812 Carbine-bore..................I might put one round down the garden to see what happens!
+Duncan Andrews Please do,.... record it and put it up somewhere.... As a matter of fact, it phoned me the other day and asked me to plead with you to let her shoot... So,..... PLEASE,... let her shoot..... there, I said it.... :-) Hopefully the issues with your repro get worked out and you can enjoy it... Thanks again, for your kind words, Duncan.... "Devilment".... I love it...
Duncan Andrews Hey..... I can't be responsible for indiscretions YOUR rifle might get up to... Maybe it's a cry for help? Maybe "someone" needs to spend a little more time with her..... Maybe she's just starving, and needs to be fed.... Hahahahaha...
Are you planning on making the part 2 of this video soon ? Have you talked about paper cartridges containing a patch for a rifle in some of your other videos ? Anyway, I really liked this video, thanks.
I am curious if you are concerned with getting any sparks in your eyes when you shoot. What are your feelings on the various black powder substitutes that are available. Where do you get your Black Powder? Sorry about the questions. Great video as usual.
Can't say I fancy a foot drill music on a background - but I'm a fan, and it's always a pleasure to listen to an expert! Speaking of Sean Bean's performance - is it anywhere near practical to roll a loose naked ball down the barrel of the Baker rifle as it's shown in "Sharpe's Rifles" - without using a ramrod, just tapping the butt on a ground? Or it's just a cinematic exaggeration? Thought that gas sealing is somewhat essential in firearm, though, so it demands a tight fit for the ball...
I did. Guys are awesome, but they've tried it with smooth-bore musket... Still wondering, would the tap nesting work with the rifled barrel? In other videos you mention balls of various calibers - when explaining loose patched ball and the cartridge. Perhaps, 22ga ball should roll in nicely - and I trust that ball will even leave the barrel when fired - but would it go straight and deliver enough energy with such a loose fit and no sealing at all?
Here's the deal... in order for this to work, you have to bite off the bullet from the top of the cartridge which entails a bunch of powder in the mouth... .... and of course a lead ball in your mouth... then you have to swirl it around in there to get the paper and string off.... biting into it and "chewing" the paper off... All this while you are pouring the powder down the barrel... then with any last bits of paper removed with the fingers in the mouth, you can spit the ball down the barrel... The ball is capable of rolling down the barrel, but the process isn't as easy (or indeed healthy) as one might think.
Rob, I wonder if the decision to cease the issue of the patched ball and powder half way through the Napoleonic was was, in some way related to the change in the nature of the war. The Peninsular Campaign was a war of skirmishing and often smaller independent units, by the time the war had moved to Flanders, the nature of the war had changed to open rolling and flat countryside suitable for line battle? Probably nothing in it and who knows, perhals individual riflemen kept their own patch and ball, especially if they were marksmen.
I imagine that the reasoning behind forgoing the issue of separate patch and ball was due to the lack of need for it. Though, to categorize the whole Peninsular War in one way would be much too general. The use of patched ball cartridges (as examined int he subsequent parts of this series) became a much easier and expedient method.
Good Day to you Sir! First of all I want to say I really like your videos and style. I was wondering which company did you get your Baker Rifle from? So far I've only managed to find a smoothbore version for reenactment...
love your videos.i was wondering when the troops were preparing there ammo in camp they would have access to animal fat .would they have a pot of melted fat and dipped the ball end with paper in to the fat as a lubricant ? would like to know your thoughts . would it foul up more .thinking what I would do if I was a one of them. But I don't have the experience of a Neopolionic soldier .
Hi there. Round ball cartridges intended to be fired without patching were not lubricated. They were small enough not to need any. As for lubricating patches, tallow would have been supplied...
A quick question @britishmuzzleloaders is the method off of Sharpe (bite,pour,spit,tap) viable or is it a method they made up for the show? If you could reply that would be great. I love the videos!
Seems like the biggest difference between the reloading done in the vid with paper cartridges, and the reloading done in the Sharpe's Universe (which I think is portrayed as a method used and taught by him alone), is that he bites and rips off the bullet, then primes the pan, pour the rest down the barrel, stuff down the paper, and finally the ball is spat down into the muzzle to be rammed or tapped down. In the show he was teaching basic infantry; those using the Brown Bess, so wasn't demonstrating with patches. For when accuracy is needed, I think either the powder horn method was used, or I suppose the ball was spat onto a patch on the muzzle so as to be rammed down with it. I sort of recall the patches being made of leather rather than cloth, but that might be incorrect. I wonder, on average, how many rounds must be fired from a Bess before tap loading can no longer be done safely, with the ball likely ending up stuck only partially into the barrel, which is of course a very dangerous proposition. For that matter, I wonder if it differs much for the Baker Rifle. Something tells me that with the rifling, the Baker would get gummed up more quickly without using patches. It's certainly mentioned however that the Baker Rifle can be used like a Brown Bess if not given a patch. It won't bite into the rifling, resulting in not nearly as much accuracy, but its faster, and 3 shots per minute is precisely what he focused on for the smoothbore infantry. I think when he demonstrates it in the book Sharpe's Rifles, he either JUST managed to fire a 4th shot, or was JUST on his way to ramming down the ball for his 4th shot when Harper called 60 seconds. In Cornwell's The Fort, I distinctly recall a British Officer, I think a young Lieutenant, demonstrating 5 rounds in 1 minute. He cheats though; stabs his ramrod into the ground for easier access. His muscle memory must not have been a hair out of place, because even with ramrod at such a ready position, 5 shots in a minute is God-like. Based during the American War for Independence, 1779 specifically. Incredible stuff. Even in using the 'tap loading' method of reloading, that kind of rate of fire must be nearly impossible. Years upon years of practice, hundreds, if not thousands of rounds fired. Day in and day out, until it comes as naturally as breathing, or as drinking the booze provided in daily rations... ahh, that would have been a big plus for encouraging me to join the Military if I was around back in the day. Regular meals with drink provided daily (when possible)? Where do I sign up?! I've made and eaten ship's biscuits/hardtack before, letting it soak in coffee or tea helps the flavour, specifically tea. Just hope that it doesn't result in a 'Barret's Privateers' situation, being left a young legless man on a Pier, in the case of the Navy. For those who survive amputation in the Army, the first destination upon 'retirement' was likely the nearest pub, I figure. Savings likely wouldn't last long, I doubt there was a pension back then, so if a man lacking a lower limb couldn't find a job that didn't require much mobility, or if a man missing an arm couldn't find a job that didn't require two hands, becoming a homeless beggar would likely have been the outcome I figure, ESPECIALLY if it was merely a young Private or Corporal, someone not born a gentleman, who didn't buy their way into being an Officer, who didn't have a rich family to care for him. Rough times... but damn fascinating all the same.
+NormanMatchem Search for "csadler" on youtube... He is a member of a re-enactment group in Australia portraying the 95th... They have done a great series of videos on similar subjects... including spit loading. Loading with anything but paper cartridge was not used with the Brown Bess... No patch, no wads,.... nothing except the method used in this clip... When I get around to lugging the Bess out for a video, I'll demonstrate it. Cheers.
britishmuzzleloaders Yeah I've seen a few of their vids, great stuff. They also tested that tapping method vs using a ramrod. If memory serves, while the tapping was faster, it didn't seat the ball as nicely, resulting in less velocity (A chronograph was used, of course). With the ball patted down against the powder with a ramrod, it helped to propel the projectile with a bit more 'oomph'. A vid of theirs I recently seen was about shooting the ramrod from the Baker Rifle, like what Harper did in the show. Not much distance; about 8m with a standard powder charge, 16m with a double powder charge, so with a half charge of powder as used in the show, it's likely only about 4m of distance would be gotten. Doubtful that it would provide the velocity needed to pierce someone's throat. More dramatization.
So I have always heard of the in accuracy of the Brown bess. Now I shoot an English style Fowler with a patched ball and i find the accuracy good enough for killing size groups out to 75 yards. So, if the brown bess were loaded this way, at least for the first shot and the shot well aimed, it would cause far more casualties and death. Did they not ever patch their muskets this way?, i realize that cloth was costly, but for an army it would be a cheap expense in the scheme of things
It's coming... I'm working out how to best make the cartridges.... Its proving to be a bit of a pain... in time though. Thanks for the interest. I'm itching to get back to the Baker.
Hello there! Great videos! I was thinking of purchasing a Baker Rifle and was wondering what wood were the original rifles made up because the one I was going to pick up seemed to be teak wood.. also where could I read more about the rifle? Thanks!
Hi there. Yes, the Indian repros are typically teak or some other "tropical" wood.... This one (from Rifle Shoppe parts) is walnut, as with the originals... Glad you enjoyed the clips! Cheers.
I sense if a Soldier from the 60th or 95Th was to fire on the ground he would need assistance from a fellow soldier to load for him , and hand over the Musket ? If on campaign at the end of the day , would he have to restock his pouch ,would they be re-supplied from the rear supplies or he would be making his own crudely through the night( including paper cartridge method ) ??
No, one can load in their back with some difficulty depending on the ammunition used. There are many more Baker videos on the Channel if you are interested. Many of the things you ask about are covered therein ... Ammunition was supplied, although the knowledge of how to make it (it's very simple) was known to all for use in emergencies..
You explained that the paper of the cartridge formed a "Rudimentary Sabot" at about 9:40 Was this by design or by lucky happenstance with the design of the paper cartridge?
Hi there. Since paper cartridges evolved from systems like the "12 Apostles" or other loose powder systems, I would think that the sabot effect would have been an unintended benefit. That said, it is a very rudimentary and not completely effective sabot.
I have this insane idea of taking one of the Loyalist Arms / Military Heritage / Historical Twist etc. India-made smoothbore Bakers and sleeving it into a .45 rifle, what do you think? I have a couple Bess' that I really enjoy shooting & reenacting with and in the last few years the quality is very improved.
+Jordan Kipp As a man who enjoys military history, and what the arms of the period were like and how they were used, I would say,..... No, to sleeving a Baker... If you want to shoot a 45cal flintlock, get a Hawkens... :-)... What kind of Besses do you have?
+britishmuzzleloaders Sorry for the delay. I'm in Hamilton, Ont and there is a local store here that does a lot of reenactor supply & historical reproductions, Spencers Mercantile. They source their muskets from Loyalist Arms / Military Heritage / Historical Twist (
As always very excellent! Now I want a baker rifle, but for hunting I’d have to get a custom one with a .54 or .50 so I can shoot sabot. Not historically correct but more ethical?
Another great video mate!!! Are there any black powder magazines published in Canada or the US that you know of? I can't seem to find any in jolly GB!!!!
Though apparently not Period, might not lubing the paper cartridge, smoothbore style, help Windage and Accuracy ? I would think that there had to be an army somewhere, that tried this.
Smoothbore (unmatched round ball) cartridges were not lubricated... As this series deals with service ammunition, I used that which closely resembled the historical.
Very nice video. I've been looking for a Baker rifle for a long time now (I live in Austria so they aren't as prevalent as in your part of the world i guess) Where did you get yours? I've seen reproductions but only with smooth bore in .62.
My compliments, Sir, on another fine video. And, my compliments to your moustache. Is it true that the Army once required one to have a certain amount of facial hair?
+Mind Medic Yes, provided that the man could actually grow one... Don't know when that was instituted, but it lasted until 1916, I believe. Thank you for you kind words.
Excellent and informative video! Do you mold your own musket balls? If so, what brand/style do you use for the smaller ball you are using for the patched shots?
+McNamaraB1 I actually used the same ball for both.... Seemed to work OK.. They are .595 and are made from a Jeff Tanner mould (he's from the UK and does very decent and reasonably priced moulds to order) Glad you enjoyed the clip! Cheers.
HI there! Safely? Sure..... Effectively? That's another story... Bakers have very deep grooves as they are designed for patched roundball,.... not the shallow grooves of a rifle-musket... Personally, I have very little interest in trying, as it is as ahistorical as you can get... :-)
britishmuzzleloaders History! That’s why I’m turning a new page in marksmanship for myself. I’ve a few modern rifles/pistols, but oddly nothing of old. Many moons ago I watched an English tv show... (Sharpe’s Rifles). Hence there after I’ve wanted a Baker rifle along with all its accoutrements and you seemed the man who’s opinion I should seek concerning British musketry. SEMPER FI.
Cool! A patched roundball, or an unpatched roundball in a paper cartridge... that was the historical ammunition used with the Baker. This is part one of the series that stretches to three parts (if you are interested), experimenting with various types of ammunition that may have been used by the 95th. Acquiring a reasonable Baker is a labour of love and will involve a great deal of time and money.... No one makes a commercial version with a rifled barrel, unfortunately.
When Evil stalks upon the land
I'll neither hold nor stay me hand
But fight to win a better day,
Over the hills and far away.
E B ah, the regimental march for the 95th Rifles.
Celer et Audax
All the hills and glory, might never be the same. spanning flanders portugal and spain (probably wrong)
this, cap and ball, tfbtv and c&rsenal are the best firearms channels on youtube. This are superb videos you make.
Thank you very much!
Demo Ranch?
@@scottydu81 when it comes to entertainment demo ranch is the gold standard.
Also, I love the ending!
+Madras Arsenal Haha..
PENIS
O'er the hills and far away. through Flanders,Portugal and Spain. King George commands and we obey. damn the red ballons and fire away.
Hagman himself could not have done better.
+Kai Dog You're a poet and you didn't even know it...
Remember Cartagena de Indias
The original third line is "Queen Anne commands", the song comes from the War of the Spanish Succesion at the start of the 18th Century. Just saying 😉
@@keithorbell9500 but in Sharpe its Ling George commands and we obey over the hills and far away
The overall design and construction of the paper and patched cartridge used here (by yourself and from the historical references) have given me an inspiration for mass producing my own for my percussion muzzleloader, a .50 cal Hawken St.Louis rifle. Hope to see more videos on your channel soon.
Cool!
The rifle marches playing in the background whenever you do a video on the Baker is a nice touch.
+MacComie Glad you like them.. I do too... Though they aren't period and came along much after the Napoleonic era....
Another excellent video. You would have to be one of the most accurate and informational video makers in the weapons category on YT. Thanks from New Zealand.
+Hunter4042012 Thanks very much for your kind words. Glad you enjoyed it. You are welcome from Canada!
Nice video as always. It is interesting the difference in accuracy in patched vs cartridge in the rifle, I actually got the opposite results from my smooth bore Brown Bess.
+Madras Arsenal Thanks Kurt. Interesting results with your BB.... I'll get to mine one day..
Excellent! Sharpe approves of the Baker! Kicks the American Long Rifle's arse any day of the week!
The British, including one Battalion of the 95th did not find it that way at New Orleans.
A comparison between the 1800 Baker and the 1803 Harper's Ferry (the weapon of choice for the comparatively short lived US Regiment of Rifleman) would make a very interesting video indeed.
+Guntank214 No, the Baker vs the Hawken
@@mpetersen6 The Hawken was produced for the large game (particularly bears) that trappers were running into out West. Hence it was typically a heavy caliber, like a .54 with a heavier bullet than the Pennsylvania or Kentucky rifle. Trying to compare the Baker to the long rifle isn't quite fair as one was built just for military use and the other for hunting and target shooting.
Another great watch. Always look forward to seeing your videos
+Simon Thompson Thanks for the kind words. Cheers.
I like how you end an informative video with a bit of humour. Great content as always 👌
Thank you!
You just made my Friday Rob! Yes, I know you uploaded on Tuesday, but I just saw this video today.
+Diktator Alexander Glad you enjoyed it!
Another very interesting video, thanks... And the sneaky enemy 'balloon termination' at end was hilarious.
+Mac Anix It was bugging me all day, blowing in the wind... purposeless, whimsical, dancing in the breeze.... Taunting me and taxing my concentration... Had to be done...
As usual, thanks for making. Another fascinating presentation.
+John Brooks Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.
thank you for this video, my knowledge of paper cartridges comes only from watching the Sharp movies. So seeing the paper cartridge used as wadding, and the lack of spitting the ball in was an eye opener, and interesting.
+MrTacons Sharpe has done lots for the era.... Good and bad.... The books and shows have cultivated a keen interest in the era but unfortunately, they are not at all historical when it comes to weapons handling... Good stories though!
Production of paper cartridges AKA Origami for men. :)
Yes
🤣🤣🤣
Well presented and very interesting. Thanks for posting :-)
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome presentation .
Thank you!
Awesome and informative as usual. great job. I look forward to the follow up video to this one. I guess I need to start saving my pennies - just have to get myself one of the kits so I too can have an example of my all time favourite flintlock firearm.
Working on it now... the other cartridges are proving to be a bit of chore to design and make.... all in the name of history though... Cheers.
You have the most amazing firearms!
Thank you!
I enjoy the shit out of your videos. Many thanks.
+SamEEE12 Hahaha... Thanks!
these videos are fantastic!
Glad you enjoyed them!
I always liked the Baker. It is a really good looking weapon, and it was also pretty effective during its time.
+AldanFerrox Me too!
Thoroughly enjoyed this video and am looking forward to part 2.
+sorichar Me too! Just have to brainstorm some cartridge ideas...
Well done, beautiful rifle. Thanks!
+K Grant Thank you very much! You're welcome.
Always enjoy your videos. And to echo Mr. Murphy below, I too am looking forward to one of the new Whitworths.
+Tom Herbert Thanks Tom. They should do to re-generate interest in Mid victorian small bore shooting, for sure.
When I saw a video about the Baker Rifle, I naturally gave the order to click. That's my style, sir!
Thank you kindly!
Another really excellent reference video, you must have put a lot of research into this one, and it shows. Many thanks for your efforts!
+Englishman French A bit of reading for sure... Glad you enjoyed it, EF. Thanks.
Anshula Clemens Are you going to make money with it?.... :-)
No. I just want to be able to have it as reference for whenever I don't have Internet.
Anshula Clemens Then, yes.
Nice video, i enjoy the history that tells us why and how it came to be.
+TraditionalBlackPowder Glad you found it interesting. Thanks.
Informative and interesting, as always. Thanks.
+Charles Inglin You are, as always, welcome!.. :-)
Excellent stuff.Beautifull rifle you have there.
+albert johnson Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
You are a gentleman and a scholar, excellent work my friend. I hope the weather is well on your coast, its all over the map both good and bad here :)
+JohnnyH1982 A bit of the same here... Some good days and some horrendous... Frankie MacDonald has seen fit to comment on it so you know it has been bad. Great to hear from you. Hope all is well. Had a chance to chat with Tom the other day.. Great to hear from him too!
Fantastic video. I cannot wait for you to start in with the 1776 rifle!
+Dan Ellis Thanks..... Now you've just reminded me how far behind on that project I am.... :-)
Thanks for the video. Yet again very informative.
+Berner Bär You are welcome! Cheers.
Great parting shot!
+Rain Coast Thanks!
Thank you for using a rest! Another excellent video. Subscribed today!
Thanks for the subby. Glad you find things interesting!
I sometimes use paper cartridges in my early Virginia flintlock rifle. I dip the ball end of the paper cartridge in SPG lube. Then when loading, I ram the ball down with the lube dipped paper around the ball. This helps some with windage and fouling, but I still wipe the bore between shots. Groups are very good at 35-40 yards. Never tried them at longer ranges. Average spread is about 2-3 inches. 50 cal. 175 grain ball with 60 grains ffg.
The lube will certainly help, especially if the windage is tight. In a military context, there wasn't any used on cartridges, though. Outside of historical shooting, anything goes, of course! Cheers.
You and Duelist1954 have infected me, I just ordered my first Flintlock Rifle kit. My second one will be a TRS Baker, but my first has family significance and is similar to what the 95th would have faced in New Orleans. I ordered one of Jim Kiblers beautiful Southern Mountain Rifles, it is a Western North Carolina styled Rifle while Andy Jackson's Tennessee Rifles and my family would have used the similar East Tennessee style rifles. Anyway I now have your peculiar disease and I hope you are happy ;)
Well done, that man.... you will have hours and hours of the most frustrating, rewarding and smile-inducing fun.
Thanks for another great and Insightful video sir!
+Stephan Pedersen You are welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.
Very nice content Ser!
+Joe Randella Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers.
Very interesting when You visit the Waterloo battlefield. The KGL units used the paper cartridges when they defended La Haye Sainte and a little far from that the 95th was shooting off the French artillerymen on long distances with the patched bullets.
I'm sure that every rifleman had a mixture of ammunition. Indeed, the defence of La Haye Saint was for the most part desperate and close range... as for the the 95th in the sandpit, the Grand Battery was a bit too far away for rifle shooting, but certainly, as D'Erlon attacked there would have been ample targets...
Excellent presentation. As Sharpe says "All you have to do is stand, and fire three rounds a minute. Now you and I know you can fire three rounds a minute...... But can you stand?" :)
Haha!
New subscriber here after seeing you on C&Rsenal. Love your videos. Thanks for the great info on these historic arms
Nice to have you along! Thanks!
Great stuff yet again!
+BennettC Cheers!
95 grains of 2f behind a 300+ grain lead ball is a very potent load! It would certainly be a good close range load for deer/elk hunting.
Or hunting the enemy... :-)
Indeed!
Great shooting! We all seem to be getting pretty consistent results with our rb tests. The Baker's group seems a little wider than I was able to get, however my '42 has a much longer barrel. I can't wait to get my hands on one of Pedersolis new Whitworths!
+murpheysmuskets Thanks Murph. That Whitworth will make for a few good videos, eh?! I imagine that the longer barrel (and the percussion lock especially) would make for a much better grouping.
Fascinating. Again. Thanks.
+Tortured Tale You are very welcome.
Background music Royal Green Jackets? I have marched at 140 to the minute. Kudos to the 95th our progenitor!
Interestingly enough, I have yet to uncover anything indicating fast marching until the 20th century. Plenty of Rifles' specific mention in the Victorian pams, but never anything regarding marching. The tunes are a mix of Light Infantry and Rifles stuff.
Celer et Audax
I understand you made your Baker from a kit. How did you go about inletting the keys? What did you reference?
Ah,.... the most difficult and stressful part of the build. I used a drill press, a level, and a clamp to drill the keyways through the barrel key loops with the barrel clamped in place... Three holes side by side, then finished it out with jewellers files and a knife. There is a better way using a press with a locating nail clamped to the base pointing up, matching exactly the tip of the drill bit...
Interesting video. I remember visiting Waterloo and the guide told us the KGL at La Haye Sainte ran out of ammo because the Baker rifle used a smaller round and the Brown Bess ammo was incompatible. I would have hated to of been them!
The Bess was nominally 75cal while the Baker was in carbine calibre of .62, so yes, incompatible.
britishmuzzleloaders That's what I thought as I held in my hand both as examples. Either they did not properly plan or they misused the KGL that day.
It's important to know that not all the KGL were armed with the Baker. Only a fraction. There were the Light Bns and the Sharpshooters of the Light Companies of the Line Bns. That said, these were the troops (about 400) who mainly garrisoned the farm.
What handy little rifle
Part of the reason it was chosen.
Another great vid mate and a big thanks
Also a thanks for inspiring me, with your Snider vid, to buy my first non-flintlock gun for my collection at an auction last weekend - an 1865 .577 Snider action rifle by London Arms Co., 35,1/2 ins full stocked three banded barrel
Its a real beauty in lovely condition - shame of it is it will only ever sit on the wall with my other guns - no firing them for me as Im a Brit.
Cheers again mate and looking forward to more in the Snider series.
+sandmanhh67 Nice to hear about your Snider... You should really make some enquiries at a local club and jump through hoops to get your licence... You won't regret it.
I love your Baker Rifle
Thanks! I do too!
Were you in the Navy at one point?
I have always loved the Baker Rifle since i first saw it in the Sharpe television show. While i still prefer the Hawken style rifle, the Baker is a close second for me
Cheers!
When you get around to the follow up, I would be interested in seeing loose but preached ball especially when the patch has been cut in a cross shape. I am not sure how to adhere the patch to the ball. Possibly beeswax? Thank you for the great videos!
Hi there. I am experimenting with a number of types of patched ball cartridge right now and that style is one of them. The key is to get the shape right so it completely seals the bore, at least that's the way I'm approaching it!... Cheers.
A cracking good video, sir.
+Eric Brown Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.
That's a nice looking rifle.
I dont have any experience with any of the British or Canadian arms.
I'm from Maryland and used to running around the Pennsylvania and Virginia woods with a long rifle, a Hawken or at times a Zouave rifle of American Civil War time. I'm in Kansas now, however.
Just came across your channel, very enjoyable.
Glad to hear! Thank you. Please spread the word if it's something that appeals! Cheers.
@@britishmuzzleloaders Certainly will!
The 1803 rifle the Lewis and Clark expedition used is similar if not identical in application to the baker rifle that was adopted in the year 1800 by the British Army especially the 95th rifle regiment at Waterloo in 1815
Yes, same generation and application.
the end of the video was the best
It was taunting me all day..... whimsically fluttering in the breeze, distracting me from my shooting, saying "Oooo, Ooooo, Ooooo, betchyou can't hit me!"
It was asking for it
Great experiment! Thank You! Greetings from Russian muzzleloader!
+Alexander Spiridonov Thanks!
It would be interesting comparing the loading and ballistic characteristics of a Baker rifle and a brown bess.
Hi there. "csadler" has done a few such clips. If you are interested, check them out. Cheers.
As always, a very entertaining and useful video!
FWIW, "sabot" is pronounced "say-bow". French, you know, for a shoe made of wood.
+tsmgguy Without getting into a To-mah-to/To-may-to argument..... My French tells me that it is pronounced Sah-bow..... Say-bow would be "American"..... :-)... Sah-Bot would be Canadian...... hahaha.
@@britishmuzzleloaders I'm American, so guilty as charged! ;-)
Pure devilment that ending Rob, great video as always. It also shows off the rifle very well which is great ( and bloody annoying as I am STILL waiting for my copy Baker to arrive ) but has almost convinced me to shoot my original 1812 Carbine-bore..................I might put one round down the garden to see what happens!
+Duncan Andrews Please do,.... record it and put it up somewhere.... As a matter of fact, it phoned me the other day and asked me to plead with you to let her shoot... So,..... PLEASE,... let her shoot..... there, I said it.... :-)
Hopefully the issues with your repro get worked out and you can enjoy it... Thanks again, for your kind words, Duncan....
"Devilment".... I love it...
+britishmuzzleloaders Where did it get your phone number Rob!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Duncan Andrews Hey..... I can't be responsible for indiscretions YOUR rifle might get up to... Maybe it's a cry for help? Maybe "someone" needs to spend a little more time with her..... Maybe she's just starving, and needs to be fed.... Hahahahaha...
Duncan Andrews HUZZA!!!!!
+britishmuzzleloaders A sight for sore eyes,lovely video Rob.
Are you planning on making the part 2 of this video soon ? Have you talked about paper cartridges containing a patch for a rifle in some of your other videos ?
Anyway, I really liked this video, thanks.
HI there. Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, the plan is get Part Two done... Waiting for some snow to dissipate right now...
I am considering the building of my own Baker from TRS to accompany my Kentucky long rifle.
This was also the standart musket of the Brazilian imperial army during the reign of Pedro I (1822-1831)
I am curious if you are concerned with getting any sparks in your eyes when you shoot. What are your feelings on the various black powder substitutes that are available. Where do you get your Black Powder? Sorry about the questions. Great video as usual.
I am not. I have never used substitutes. I get my BP from a wholesaler. Cheers!
Awesome as usual! thanks!
+Norton16hbig4 You are, as usual, welcome.
Can't say I fancy a foot drill music on a background - but I'm a fan, and it's always a pleasure to listen to an expert!
Speaking of Sean Bean's performance - is it anywhere near practical to roll a loose naked ball down the barrel of the Baker rifle as it's shown in "Sharpe's Rifles" - without using a ramrod, just tapping the butt on a ground? Or it's just a cinematic exaggeration? Thought that gas sealing is somewhat essential in firearm, though, so it demands a tight fit for the ball...
"cdsadler" of YT did an interesting experiment on this very thing... have a look!.. :-)
I did. Guys are awesome, but they've tried it with smooth-bore musket... Still wondering, would the tap nesting work with the rifled barrel? In other videos you mention balls of various calibers - when explaining loose patched ball and the cartridge. Perhaps, 22ga ball should roll in nicely - and I trust that ball will even leave the barrel when fired - but would it go straight and deliver enough energy with such a loose fit and no sealing at all?
Here's the deal... in order for this to work, you have to bite off the bullet from the top of the cartridge which entails a bunch of powder in the mouth... .... and of course a lead ball in your mouth... then you have to swirl it around in there to get the paper and string off.... biting into it and "chewing" the paper off... All this while you are pouring the powder down the barrel... then with any last bits of paper removed with the fingers in the mouth, you can spit the ball down the barrel... The ball is capable of rolling down the barrel, but the process isn't as easy (or indeed healthy) as one might think.
Rob, I wonder if the decision to cease the issue of the patched ball and powder half way through the Napoleonic was was, in some way related to the change in the nature of the war. The Peninsular Campaign was a war of skirmishing and often smaller independent units, by the time the war had moved to Flanders, the nature of the war had changed to open rolling and flat countryside suitable for line battle?
Probably nothing in it and who knows, perhals individual riflemen kept their own patch and ball, especially if they were marksmen.
I imagine that the reasoning behind forgoing the issue of separate patch and ball was due to the lack of need for it. Though, to categorize the whole Peninsular War in one way would be much too general. The use of patched ball cartridges (as examined int he subsequent parts of this series) became a much easier and expedient method.
Good Day to you Sir! First of all I want to say I really like your videos and style.
I was wondering which company did you get your Baker Rifle from? So far I've only managed to find a smoothbore version for reenactment...
HI there. The Baker is from the Rifle Shoppe. I made it with their parts set. Great project. Glad you are enjoying things.
love your videos.i was wondering when the troops were preparing there ammo in camp they would have access to animal fat .would they have a pot of melted fat and dipped the ball end with paper in to the fat as a lubricant ? would like to know your thoughts . would it foul up more .thinking what I would do if I was a one of them. But I don't have the experience of a Neopolionic soldier .
Hi there. Round ball cartridges intended to be fired without patching were not lubricated. They were small enough not to need any. As for lubricating patches, tallow would have been supplied...
A quick question @britishmuzzleloaders is the method off of Sharpe (bite,pour,spit,tap) viable or is it a method they made up for the show? If you could reply that would be great. I love the videos!
It is fallacy. "csadler" on YT did a great examination of the technique if you are interested.
Seems like the biggest difference between the reloading done in the vid with paper cartridges, and the reloading done in the Sharpe's Universe (which I think is portrayed as a method used and taught by him alone), is that he bites and rips off the bullet, then primes the pan, pour the rest down the barrel, stuff down the paper, and finally the ball is spat down into the muzzle to be rammed or tapped down. In the show he was teaching basic infantry; those using the Brown Bess, so wasn't demonstrating with patches. For when accuracy is needed, I think either the powder horn method was used, or I suppose the ball was spat onto a patch on the muzzle so as to be rammed down with it. I sort of recall the patches being made of leather rather than cloth, but that might be incorrect. I wonder, on average, how many rounds must be fired from a Bess before tap loading can no longer be done safely, with the ball likely ending up stuck only partially into the barrel, which is of course a very dangerous proposition. For that matter, I wonder if it differs much for the Baker Rifle. Something tells me that with the rifling, the Baker would get gummed up more quickly without using patches.
It's certainly mentioned however that the Baker Rifle can be used like a Brown Bess if not given a patch. It won't bite into the rifling, resulting in not nearly as much accuracy, but its faster, and 3 shots per minute is precisely what he focused on for the smoothbore infantry. I think when he demonstrates it in the book Sharpe's Rifles, he either JUST managed to fire a 4th shot, or was JUST on his way to ramming down the ball for his 4th shot when Harper called 60 seconds. In Cornwell's The Fort, I distinctly recall a British Officer, I think a young Lieutenant, demonstrating 5 rounds in 1 minute. He cheats though; stabs his ramrod into the ground for easier access. His muscle memory must not have been a hair out of place, because even with ramrod at such a ready position, 5 shots in a minute is God-like. Based during the American War for Independence, 1779 specifically. Incredible stuff.
Even in using the 'tap loading' method of reloading, that kind of rate of fire must be nearly impossible. Years upon years of practice, hundreds, if not thousands of rounds fired. Day in and day out, until it comes as naturally as breathing, or as drinking the booze provided in daily rations... ahh, that would have been a big plus for encouraging me to join the Military if I was around back in the day. Regular meals with drink provided daily (when possible)? Where do I sign up?! I've made and eaten ship's biscuits/hardtack before, letting it soak in coffee or tea helps the flavour, specifically tea. Just hope that it doesn't result in a 'Barret's Privateers' situation, being left a young legless man on a Pier, in the case of the Navy. For those who survive amputation in the Army, the first destination upon 'retirement' was likely the nearest pub, I figure. Savings likely wouldn't last long, I doubt there was a pension back then, so if a man lacking a lower limb couldn't find a job that didn't require much mobility, or if a man missing an arm couldn't find a job that didn't require two hands, becoming a homeless beggar would likely have been the outcome I figure, ESPECIALLY if it was merely a young Private or Corporal, someone not born a gentleman, who didn't buy their way into being an Officer, who didn't have a rich family to care for him. Rough times... but damn fascinating all the same.
+NormanMatchem Search for "csadler" on youtube... He is a member of a re-enactment group in Australia portraying the 95th... They have done a great series of videos on similar subjects... including spit loading. Loading with anything but paper cartridge was not used with the Brown Bess... No patch, no wads,.... nothing except the method used in this clip... When I get around to lugging the Bess out for a video, I'll demonstrate it. Cheers.
britishmuzzleloaders
Yeah I've seen a few of their vids, great stuff. They also tested that tapping method vs using a ramrod. If memory serves, while the tapping was faster, it didn't seat the ball as nicely, resulting in less velocity (A chronograph was used, of course). With the ball patted down against the powder with a ramrod, it helped to propel the projectile with a bit more 'oomph'. A vid of theirs I recently seen was about shooting the ramrod from the Baker Rifle, like what Harper did in the show.
Not much distance; about 8m with a standard powder charge, 16m with a double powder charge, so with a half charge of powder as used in the show, it's likely only about 4m of distance would be gotten. Doubtful that it would provide the velocity needed to pierce someone's throat. More dramatization.
So I have always heard of the in accuracy of the Brown bess. Now I shoot an English style Fowler with a patched ball and i find the accuracy good enough for killing size groups out to 75 yards. So, if the brown bess were loaded this way, at least for the first shot and the shot well aimed, it would cause far more casualties and death. Did they not ever patch their muskets this way?, i realize that cloth was costly, but for an army it would be a cheap expense in the scheme of things
Patched balls were simply not at all a military technique for use in smoothbore arms... lament that as you may, but that is the way it was.
My Fav song “Mechanized Infantry”
It's a dandy.
Where is part two????? I love the channel
It's coming... I'm working out how to best make the cartridges.... Its proving to be a bit of a pain... in time though. Thanks for the interest. I'm itching to get back to the Baker.
Rob , do you know what type of steel was used to make the original baker rifle barrels? And what metal do they use for today's reproduction?
The barrel on my Baker is proper, purpose made rifle barrel. Mileage may vary with repros... see the FAQ video.
Great vid!
Cheers!
Hello there! Great videos! I was thinking of purchasing a Baker Rifle and was wondering what wood were the original rifles made up because the one I was going to pick up seemed to be teak wood.. also where could I read more about the rifle? Thanks!
Hi there. Yes, the Indian repros are typically teak or some other "tropical" wood.... This one (from Rifle Shoppe parts) is walnut, as with the originals... Glad you enjoyed the clips! Cheers.
I sense if a Soldier from the 60th or 95Th was to fire on the ground he would need assistance from a fellow soldier to load for him , and hand over the Musket ? If on campaign at the end of the day , would he have to restock his pouch ,would they be re-supplied from the rear supplies or he would be making his own crudely through the night( including paper cartridge method ) ??
No, one can load in their back with some difficulty depending on the ammunition used. There are many more Baker videos on the Channel if you are interested. Many of the things you ask about are covered therein ... Ammunition was supplied, although the knowledge of how to make it (it's very simple) was known to all for use in emergencies..
Where did you get your cap? It is awesome!
And secondly what is the song around 10:00 ?
Thanks!!
From Sally Pointer in Wales. If you are interested in Kilmarnock, I can't recommend her enough.
Thanks! I looked her up and her work is amazing!
If i'm not mistaken it's Sousa's Blaze Away
You explained that the paper of the cartridge formed a "Rudimentary Sabot" at about 9:40 Was this by design or by lucky happenstance with the design of the paper cartridge?
Hi there. Since paper cartridges evolved from systems like the "12 Apostles" or other loose powder systems, I would think that the sabot effect would have been an unintended benefit. That said, it is a very rudimentary and not completely effective sabot.
Sorry if the question may be stupid, but wouldn't the paper used in the cartrige waxed?
Really like the videos!
No, paper cartridges of the era were not lubricated. The bullets were smaller than the bore, giving enough windage to allow for loading while fouled.
britishmuzzleloaders Thanks! : )
I have this insane idea of taking one of the Loyalist Arms / Military Heritage / Historical Twist etc. India-made smoothbore Bakers and sleeving it into a .45 rifle, what do you think? I have a couple Bess' that I really enjoy shooting & reenacting with and in the last few years the quality is very improved.
+Jordan Kipp As a man who enjoys military history, and what the arms of the period were like and how they were used, I would say,..... No, to sleeving a Baker... If you want to shoot a 45cal flintlock, get a Hawkens... :-)... What kind of Besses do you have?
+britishmuzzleloaders I started out with an India 3rd pattern, and now primarily use the New Land pattern for 1812 light infantry.
Jordan Kipp Where did you get the New Land from?
+britishmuzzleloaders Sorry for the delay.
I'm in Hamilton, Ont and there is a local store here that does a lot of reenactor supply & historical reproductions, Spencers Mercantile. They source their muskets from Loyalist Arms / Military Heritage / Historical Twist (
Could you pssibly go into detail sometime about how they kept the patches with the ammo?
I could, but I might direct you to the subsequent two parts to this series.... 😀
As always very excellent! Now I want a baker rifle, but for hunting I’d have to get a custom one with a .54 or .50 so I can shoot sabot. Not historically correct but more ethical?
I doubt it... a .60cal round ball with 95gr of powder will be just fine.
I think you are correct. I know you are correct. I'll look at getting a reproduction rifle.
Another great video mate!!! Are there any black powder magazines published in Canada or the US that you know of? I can't seem to find any in jolly GB!!!!
Couldn’t tell you. I’d have to google just like you... :-)
Though apparently not Period, might not lubing the paper cartridge, smoothbore style, help Windage and Accuracy ?
I would think that there had to be an army somewhere, that tried this.
Smoothbore (unmatched round ball) cartridges were not lubricated... As this series deals with service ammunition, I used that which closely resembled the historical.
I am curious how many shots you manage before requiring to reharden the frizzen?
Very nice video. I've been looking for a Baker rifle for a long time now (I live in Austria so they aren't as prevalent as in your part of the world i guess) Where did you get yours? I've seen reproductions but only with smooth bore in .62.
+Sabbel Wakker HI there. I made from parts from The Rifle Shoppe. Great project.
so primitive and so beautiful weapon
Maybe by current standards, but back then it was definitely a step up from the usual infantry arms, in some respects.
Was that service charge synonymous with other weapons of the era like the brown Bess? Or was that 95 grains specifically for the baker?
It was specific to the Baker. The Brown Bess charge was 6 drams vs 3 1/2 with the Baker.
My compliments, Sir, on another fine video. And, my compliments to your moustache. Is it true that the Army once required one to have a certain amount of facial hair?
+Mind Medic Yes, provided that the man could actually grow one... Don't know when that was instituted, but it lasted until 1916, I believe. Thank you for you kind words.
"What makes a good soldier?" "Being able to fire 3 rounds a minut sir!" If you know, you know
Sure....
What size patch do you use? We use round patches in the states. 1”x1”? Thanks man!
They are from 1"square to 1 1/2".... typically.
Excellent and informative video! Do you mold your own musket balls? If so, what brand/style do you use for the smaller ball you are using for the patched shots?
+McNamaraB1 I actually used the same ball for both.... Seemed to work OK.. They are .595 and are made from a Jeff Tanner mould (he's from the UK and does very decent and reasonably priced moulds to order) Glad you enjoyed the clip! Cheers.
Was it my imagination or were the paper 'cartridges' generating far less smoke at the muzzle than the patch rounds?
Not particularly.... same charge, same ball.... less pressure due to the windage with the cartridges though...
That Paget Carbine looks so charming. Is that your photograph you took of it?
+Anshula Clemens No. Just an example of "a carbine".
Just getting into antique firearms....
Is there any way to safely load and fire a civil war style (mini ball) from this rifle?
Thoughts / Answers????
HI there! Safely? Sure..... Effectively? That's another story... Bakers have very deep grooves as they are designed for patched roundball,.... not the shallow grooves of a rifle-musket... Personally, I have very little interest in trying, as it is as ahistorical as you can get... :-)
britishmuzzleloaders
History! That’s why I’m turning a new page in marksmanship for myself.
I’ve a few modern rifles/pistols, but oddly nothing of old. Many moons ago I watched an English tv show...
(Sharpe’s Rifles). Hence there after I’ve wanted a Baker rifle along with all its accoutrements and you seemed the man who’s opinion I should seek concerning British musketry.
SEMPER FI.
Cool! A patched roundball, or an unpatched roundball in a paper cartridge... that was the historical ammunition used with the Baker. This is part one of the series that stretches to three parts (if you are interested), experimenting with various types of ammunition that may have been used by the 95th. Acquiring a reasonable Baker is a labour of love and will involve a great deal of time and money.... No one makes a commercial version with a rifled barrel, unfortunately.