Can't shoot lead balls all the time - what's better than paper wads?

[wb78963]

Go to YT and search "hot glue bullets". looks interesting and very doable
Good luck
Bunk

 

[wb78963]

On reflection I would think some kind of sabot or you might wind up with a hard to clean bore
Hot glue melts with hot powder gas.
Bunk

 

[skoda]

How about VFG felt cleaning pellets? They come in many different bore sizes and fit tight in a bore but not too tight. They do have a small hole in the middle but I'm sure that they could be easily plugged with a bit of yarn. Being made of wool they won't set the grass on fire and you could easily get them soaked with your favorite lube if you want.

https://www.brownells.com/gun-clean...ts/weapons-care-system-pellets-prod13839.aspx

 

[Josephg]

Where I live I can't shoot lead balls (have to go to a range for that) because the neighbors are too close by. I do sometimes shoot "blanks" (powder with paper wad) but paper just doesn't create a good seal most of the time, and the charge kind of just goes "poof". I like a loud bang with some smoke. Has anyone shot cork or wood balls and, if so, how did that work out? And, for those who've had to use paper, what works best? Mine catches on fire a lot of the time so I have to be careful. Thanks.

So let me get this straight. You like to shoot every day but you don't have to shoot a projectile. You just like to make a loud bang noise with smoke. Do I have that straight? If I do, why?

 

[Caniborrowsomeammo]

Maybe these?
https://www.mcmaster.com/rubber-balls/high-temperature-silicone-rubber-balls/

 

[mechteacher]

I watched a 1-1/2 inch BP cannon fired using a hotdog bun rammed on top of the load. Forms a good seal and cannot be found after firing. No cleanup.
I would not use flour because it is an explosive when aerated.

 

[deandeib]

I recently loaded 85g 2F in my T/C .50 Hawken and topped it off with a small piece of a rag that packed in nice and tight over the powder. From my back patio, I expected a loud "poof". What I got was a blast every bit as loud as a real RB load. I heard some interesting reactions from some neighbors and immediately went back into the house expecting the cops to come cruising through the neighborhood at any time. I know now exactly what I'll be doing New Year's Eve.

 

[nkbj]

I'd avoid any hard material.
Wood, clay, wax, plastic such as hot glue or beads are all projectiles.

 

[Davey Boy]

Do not use flammable materials, fires are bad.

Model rockets use non flammable between the parachute and engine separation. Must still be available

 

[MSW]

if you soak paper in Borax, it will not smolder ... the system might need a bit of tinkering, but that's part of the fun.

 

[Alan O]

So let me get this straight. You like to shoot every day but you don't have to shoot a projectile. You just like to make a loud bang noise with smoke. Do I have that straight? If I do, why?

Because flintlocks!

 

[Alan O]

Do not use flammable materials, fires are bad.

Model rockets use non flammable between the parachute and engine separation. Must still be available

I remember that - I'll check around

 

[Melchi577]

would these be any good for the 44? Pedersoli Polymer Indoor Round Balls .440 cal Pack 100 - Pedersoli Indoor Shooting - Muzzle Loading Tools - MUZZLE LOADING obviously this is a UK shop but i would imagine you could get them somewhere nearer.

 

[Justin.44]

Do not use flammable materials, fires are bad.

Model rockets use non flammable between the parachute and engine separation. Must still be available

Yep it's called recovery wadding. Just bought some yesterday from hobby lobby for my son.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I watched a 1-1/2 inch BP cannon fired using a hotdog bun rammed on top of the load. Forms a good seal and cannot be found after firing. No cleanup.
I would not use flour because it is an explosive when aerated.

I have an antique one inch cannon I have blank fired many times. Usually use 120 gr. 2Fg bp with no wadding and get a big bang. Will have to try the flour thing to see the explosive effect. Why not?

 

[Alan O]

would these be any good for the 44? Pedersoli Polymer Indoor Round Balls .440 cal Pack 100 - Pedersoli Indoor Shooting - Muzzle Loading Tools - MUZZLE LOADING obviously this is a UK shop but i would imagine you could get them somewhere nearer.

Interesting. I had no idea these even existed!

 

[Alan O]

Because flintlocks!

I also see you're from Idaho - I went to UI way back when.

 

[fraungie]

Oh man ! I just came up with a great idea a few minutes ago when cleaning the lint from my clothes dryer screen.

I balled it up, ran in water and I had a 'lint ball' ! I'll keep 'em handy, and on new year's eve a little water and they will expand and be easy to load! Should work great for 'blank' loads!View attachment 55025

I wonder how well that would work under a revolver ball instead of a felt wad.

 

[Crow-Feather]

El Campus Vitus, who 60 years ago got me interested in muzzle loaders, used toilet paper and it worked quite well. Please remember that too much of anything is not good. Stuff a 12" long wad of toilet paper down a barrel and you have the makings of a great bore obstruction. I still see them marching down the street in their red shirts and black pants with black suspenders, blazing away at the sky. It was a grand sight and a great happy time.

A few years back, I marched in our July 4th parade with my club shooting holes in the sky. At long last, I was with those men of yore thrilling the children and hopefully inspiring at least one of them to think, "I gotta try that someday"

 

[Roundball2319]

Some great ideas everyone.