View Full Version : Shotgun cartridge match box
falling rain
11-02-2004, 16:04
Has anyone ever tried making one of those match boxes out of a couple of shotgun cartridges as per Ray's Bushcraft Book.? I've tried a couple of times but end up with a blob of melted plastic in the cap end that I can't get out. Any tips please :-o
Thanks
Nick
Heat the cartridge by the metal end gently, just enough to soften the plastic a little bit. Then grasp the metal and with one set of pliers and the plastic part with another and twist gently. It should work loose, if not, apply a bit more heat. This technique has worked for me before although I've never gone as far as making the actual match safe :shock:
It is tricky but it's part knack so you don't melt the plastic and end up with a mess.
MartiniDave
11-02-2004, 16:23
Falling,
I've made several, empty cartridges are things I've usually got plenty of!
I've found the best heat source is a tealite or candle, holding the empty vertical above the flame so all the heat goes into the metal. Some brands of cartride just dont seem to want to come apart as easily as others. - Oh, make sure its a fired case, not just one someone has cut the end off, if you cook off a primer it'll ruin your day!
I do like this matchbox, it holds enough matches for a weekend and isn't too bulky.
It also joins the list of things I've tried to fit in a 12 bore that isn't a real cartridge! Other items include Opinel knives, packets of polos etc!
Hope the above helps,
Dave
Great Pebble
11-02-2004, 16:46
Stand the cartridge upright in a shallow pot of boing water.
Nick in Belfast
falling rain
11-02-2004, 16:58
Thanks chaps, I'll give these a go later. I want to make a couple and keep some emergency tinder in one too. A bit small but maybe with 2 - 3 for tinder and one for the matches will suffice
Appreciated :bu:
Hi Nick
You can put both tinder and matches in the same safe - just fill the space above the matches with some cotton wool. This also has the advantage of preventing the matches from rubbing against each other with possible ignition.
I've made several - I'll bring one down at the next meet.
Take care
Bob :-D
falling rain
13-02-2004, 08:15
Thanks Bob that'll be good. I'll have another go before then, on what some of the others have suggested. Before I've used a pair of pliers to hold the cartridge over the flame and a gloved hand to try and twist the cap off. I think Adi007 idea of using 2 pairs of pliers sounds good. I'll give all the suggestions a go and see which works best.
Done your weather yet ? :z:
Take care :-D
Falling, another trick is to note that some cartridges have a thick plastic cup inside that stands higher than the brass. It's another way of reinforcing the cartridge against the pressure of a heavy charge or heavy load.
If you cut the skin of one cartridge off flush with the level of the brass, the inner cup stands proud and can then be pushed into the open end of a second cartridge to make a tight friction fit lid. I've found some Sellier & Bellot cases like this. There is a bit less space inside because of the extra plastic. Also - keep an eye open for empty magnum shells if you want something a bit longer with plenty of brass to make a good seal by Ray's method. Cheers.
ditchfield
14-02-2004, 16:11
On a similar note, I managed to fit approx. 75 swan vesta matches in a standard film canister with the heads all pointing up and a cut down tea light on top!
Weather nearly done - rain stopped play!!!! :lol:
Bob :-D
i don't have a copy of the Ray Mears book, any chance someone could post a picture of the finished box ?
thanks.
tenbears10
01-03-2005, 13:25
I'll put a pic up tonight Fiacha unless someone beats me to it this afternoon.
I got bored trying to gently heat the cartridge so just chucked it in the fire at home and retreved it from the ash in the morning. Downside was the brass is scorched and a long way from being shiney. Works ok though. I will try the boiling water method next I think.
thank tenbears.
just trying to picture it in my head. is it as simple as pushing the brass from one cartridge over the crimped end of the other ?
tenbears10
01-03-2005, 13:33
Pretty much fiacha. The difficult bit is getting the lose cap clean of plastic so it fits and gives a tight seal. The tendancy is to melt plastic into the brass cap which makes it not fit over the other one. After that it is just a quick trim of the crimped end and the second cap fits over the opening.
MartiniDave
01-03-2005, 16:47
The "metal bit" isn't brass at all these days, just thinly plated steel, or even plastic!
Walkabout
01-03-2005, 19:02
is it as simple as pushing the brass from one cartridge over the crimped end of the other ?
You have to trim off the crimping or it wont seal properly. Also rub candle wax around the inside of the cap to make it really watertight.
if you file the base you can use it has a striker as well.
I tried this - I had some Eley Alphamax cases from a wildfowling trip. I thought they would be ideal as the brass cap is deeper than on an ordinary cartridge.
I couldn't get it off without wrecking it!
Thinking about it, although I am sure it can be done, and it is good to make things with your hands, I wonder if this is a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. A 35mm film case is lighter, probably more waterproof, holds more matches, and doesn't look like ammunition!
R-Bowskill
02-03-2005, 09:29
I made one of these about a year ago but tend not to use it much. 35mm film cases are better in my experience, being a bit larger they are easier to find, especially if you put some bright coloured adhesive tape round them. Also you can fit a few other bits and pieces in them sich as a candle.
If you make one and show people they might ask you to knock them one up but beware, the fumes given off by hot plastic contain cyanide so you do need alot of ventilation or you'll fet ill.
Their main use seems to be a curiosity / novelty / conversation piece, make one take it to a pub and when someone asks for a light get it out and the chances are it'll give you the start of a conversation about bushcraft.
"Their main use seems to be a curiosity / novelty / conversation piece, make one take it to a pub and when someone asks for a light get it out and the chances are it'll give you the start of a conversation about bushcraft."
What a great idea - much more convenient than taking out your billy and clickstand :-)
Cheers
JFW
MartiniDave
02-03-2005, 10:40
I've made them from deep-brass Eley cases. Simply hold the "brass" part over a tea-light for about 30 seconds, then tug it off with a pair of pliers, and put it safely to cool down.
I find the smaller size than a film container to be an advantage as its easier to carry in my pocket - but not the same one as my real cartrideges, well, not anymore! :rolmao: You could hear the pigeon laughing!
Dave
jem seeley
05-03-2005, 10:15
Just a quick word of warning ! Make sure the cartridge is long enough to take your matches comfortably. I made the mistake ( once !) of cutting a little too much of the crimping off and trying to put too many matches in- the result was that when I fitted the cap back on the 'nipple' on the inside ignited a match and the whole lot went up!!!!
Now I'm aware of this I make sure the cartridge is left long and don't over-fill it. I've found that burning the cap off is the best method- let it go rusty and its easier to strike matches on.
ChrisKavanaugh
05-03-2005, 17:58
A less elegant method is taking 2 shells of different guages and making a crush fit. WW1 trench shotguns employed a solid brass case after the old paper shells failed. They are still found over here and makeup into very nice cases.
Remember not to travel with these in your luggage though!! :biggthump