The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Hi all,
I may be back with a myth , but have read and seen videos of people loading black powder and then placing a card wad between the powder and base of the bullet. They claim that it protects the base of the bullet and improves accuracy (providing it don't stick to it I guess )

What are the views on this please, good practice, or a waste of time ?
Thanks in advance

In BP cartridges I put a veggie wad 'tween bullet and powder.

I have never found it to improve accuracy or degrade it.

I find it helps with an even compression and acts as a barrier in the event the bullet grease may migrate down into the powder in warm conditions and also the cartridges might be stored for a long time. Also they are necessary if using a grease cookie.

I also use them in muzzle loading rifles on full loads like the Whitworth or the Volunteer as it can deter gas cutting afore the bullet obdurates although I think this is more theoretical than actual.

At the end of the day the target will tell you all you need know, try it and see what works for you, in hand loading less is definitely more.

The more the variables the more difficult it becomes to meaningfully develop a load.

Great advice as always, many thanks. I will give it try !
Regarding veggie wads, is there a supplier that you recommend ?

It is organic gasket material.

I got two large rolls (60 thou & 30 thou) years ago from a local vehicle parts supplier.

Thanks very much , I will see how that goes.
For Martini henry would you advise the same, or is it different for bottleneck cases ?

Depends on the powder fill.

I always fill the cases into the neck with powder so use a wad 'tween bullet and powder which is all in the neck which as far as the bullet is concerned is a parallel sided case.

If your powder fill is below the neck then no, if you don't want an airspace then you need a filler not a wad.

Thanks again, good advice !

For my muzzle loading match rifles I load powder, then a tight fitting card wad. This sweeps the bore. I then clean the barrel with a damp and a dry patch, before loading the paper patched bullet. The wad keeps moisture away from the powder. That’s my primary reason for using the wad, it assists when cleaning between shots - it may also provide some protection to the base of the bullet.

David