Cotton Balls?

[Sparkitoff]

Today I saw a fellow shooter with his ML shotgun. He was using a card wad over powder, then a cotton ball and another card wad, then shot then a card wad. Same card wads throughout the combo. However, what I was interested in was his cotton ball sandwich. I asked and he said it was just as good as a cushion wad but a lot cheaper. He then said he used one for 20 gauge but two cotton balls for 12 gauge (so apparently he has another gun). He also advised to only use real pure cotton. I'd never heard of using cotton balls. Does anyone do this or know of this?

 

[tenngun]

Tried it back in the early 90s. Had to lube them to keep them from burning. Didn’t notice any changes in my shooting.
most barrels are over 28”, up to 44” or more. The shot goes from 0 to 1100or 1300 fps, I’ve never worked out the G load for that but it has to be several hundred Gs. I don’t think a cushion matters.

 

[ord sgt]

I have not heard of using cotton ball for the cushion. I only use the firm wad in my smoothie.

 

[Historian]

Too many issues with fires.
I use wool felt that I cut myself and lube with beeswax and olive oil.

 

[Cattywompuss]

I could see it working, but yeah cotton is cellulose, and will burn. You outta see what it does when nitrated!

I'll never forget that Ol Penny Baxter in The Yearling used Spanish moss as wadding.

 

[FlinterNick]

I wouldn’t. I’d stick to non-stick materials.