Vorax Transtellaris wrote:
Well, I am looking for a date to set my western campaign. I want it to be after the civil war, before the Battle of the Little Bighorn, preferrably with some still free-roaming Indians and cap-and-ball revolvers still common. I was thinking 1868-70. What were the common rifle and shotgun cartridges then?
Unfortunately that date is also before the Black Hills Goldrush but from what I read there was some goldrushing going on in Montana at the time.

Also, not entirely clear on the types of cartridges. Rimfire? And what about the paper cartridges I've seen mentioned?
A rimfire cartridge has the priming powder in the rim and ignites when the hammer strikes the rim of the cartridge. Rimfire cartridges are usually small calibre (.22 Long Rifle for example). Most larger calibers are centerfire. Centerfire ammunition has the primer in a center recess on the rear of the cartridge. Take a look at modern ammuntion (with the exception of some .22 rounds) and you're looking at centerfire ammunition.

If your setting your game at that time (1868-70), Smith and Wesson .44 are probably available. And metal cartridges should be available for Sharps rifles. A little too early for .45 Colt or .44 Winchester.
But it's just a game and it wouldn't hurt to have them around unless you're going for absolute authenticity.

Paper cartridges? Most of the time, it refers to a pre-maesured amount of powder and shot wrapped in a paper tube. The shooter would tear open the paper, pour the powder in and ram the shot home. The gun was primed (either with more loose powder or a percussion cap depending on the type of firearm).

  

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