Sounds very similar to the technique I use to make artillery rounds. Instead of the stick I use a large wooden cylinder. And aluminum foil in place of the paper. There is no string involved as I am putting in powder. Basically making a "charge" for an artillery projectile. Artillery rounds "in the day" were strapped to a wooden sabot. This kept them upright and unable to "roll" down the tube (in the case of smoothbores). For case shot and shell it kept the fuse in the front. Powder was loaded into flannel bags and tied around the wooden sabot. Thus the term "fixed round". This is very interesting David. I've often wondered how shotgun rounds would have been prepared for easy loading in the field. It's much like a buck and ball round. But evidently the powder was poured in seperate from the round and not contained in the same paper "cartridge". Thanks. Good research....as usual. ;-)

Keith