doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com How is a needlefire shotgun cartridge made ?

I have a fine condition, approx. 12 ga., Needham needlefire double shotgun. I would like to fire it, but do not know how to make the consumable cartridge it uses. Can anyone help with information on making these cartridges ?

If you try keep your front hand well clear of those big gas escape holes!

I have a friend who shoots a needle fire rook, I can put you in touch with him if you like

SKB, I would be happy to talk with your friend. My email is in my profile. Thanks, Daryl

skeettx, thanks for the two videos of making needle fire rifle cartridges. I suppose the rifle cartridge might be similar to a cartridge for my shotgun. I am unclear at this time as to how far the "needle" penetrates into the chamber when fired. The videos show the primer to be very close to the face of the breech with the rifle. I remember seeing old diagrams of the primer being somewhat down into the chamber of a needle fire, but I cannot remember if that cartridge might be suitable for my gun. Attached are some photos showing the Needham's needle. I'll try to figure out how far the needle extends when the gun is fired.

Also, if long, can the needle be replaced with the shorter one?

skeettx, I have been staring at the mechanism all afternoon, then rewatching the two videos. I sort of "get it" in the videos and notice they are both afraid of improper ignition. One video puts a No. 11 percussion cap into the musket cap. Then primes the pair. The second video apparently just primes the musket cap and hopes for the best. I guess I'd start with the second scenario first.

The needle length after firing is still a question for me. It is sort of an elaborate design, so I would hate to try and make a shorter one.I'll try to figure out the fired needle length, then go from there. Looking at the diagram of the two types of needle fire designs above makes me believe that the longer needle might give more sure ignition. I'll probably be using #6 or 7 1/2 shot , and of course will not be making a large volume of shots. Just a fun project when a decent gun comes around. Lots of questions to answer.

What an incredible firearm and project!!

https://imgur.com/a/UoyfU2w

Daryl,

I hope that this illustration from the International Ammunition Association website may assist.

There appears to be a thin metal cup in the base that presumably assists with obturation,

There is no provision for extraction, but perhaps the cups were flicked away from the bolt faces before re-loading.

It does not appear to be designed to be pushed through the barrel by the next charge like the base wad of a Westley Richards Monkey-Tail cartridge,