combustible cartridges

[Navy Six]

Have been toying with combustible paper cartridges for cap&ball guns for awhile with moderate success. Most of the time I've used cigarette paper, untreated, containing only the powder charge, about 18 gr. FFF Goex in 36 cal 51/61 Uberti Navies. Ignition has been virtually 100% Biggest drawback has been the ash deposit left in the cylinder. Seeking to resolve that problem, I tried this experiment today:
Two types of cartridges were made up. The first was the above mentioned cigarette paper containing 18 gr FFF Goex. However, after a suitable number were made, I then dipped them in melted beeswax.The second type contained the same powder charge, but instead of cigarette paper, I used common wax paper. The remainder of the load for both consisted of a wool wad soaked in Gatofeo #1 lube topped with a 375 round ball.
Twenty four rounds each were fired through two different Uberti Navies. Ignition was 100% The amount of residue left in the cylinder was much less than the untreated cigarette paper, but it was firmer, looking like a bit of paper/wax "mush".
By the way, I don't want to take credit for this as both ideas were screened from other peoples suggestions. I just thought some might be interested in the outcome. Was it worth the effort? Only if I was going to be carrying around the combustible cartridges as they were much more durable than just paper alone. For a day at the range or cowboy match, I'll stick with a flask

[Lefty Dude]

My thinking is you might get a cleaner burn if you raised your powder charge to a 21 grain spout.
After a recent range outing with my Chronograph, and testing both an 18 gr. & 21 grain spout my nod goes to the 21 grain load.
I was using APP.
My 36 Navy's are competition tuned with reduced springs, slix-shot nipples and such. Both loads keep caps on and no jams.
The purpose of the two loads is the KD factor. For normal steel the 18 gr. is sufficient. Not so much for the KD's.

The 18 gr. load averaged for a 5 shot group, 625 FPS. The 21 grain, 971 FPS with two shots over 1050 FPS.
The stiffer load was also more accurate, and not a great more recoil or muzzle flip.

Thanks for the report, I may give the combustible cartridge a try. It is on my to-do list for sure.