Filler in a single shot pistol ?

[Stony Broke]

I have recently purchased a Pedersoli LePage pistol and was watching a video of a guy shooting one. He would add powder, and then put the same amount of filler on top of it before placing the patch and ball in the barrel. I have shot pistols for years, and never tried such a thing and was wondering if anyone could tell me a real reason for the filler? I just don't see where it could have any real purpose there...but maybe someone could enlighten me.

 

[Many Klatch]

I have been shooting a LePage for years and never seen a need for anything other than Powder, Patch, Ball. There can be a need for filler in revolvers if you are loading a reduced load, but the LePage is not a revolver.

 

[Grenadier1758]

The filler will act much like a wad in sealing the bore. Because the filler is granular, it is thought that filler may seal the bore better than a wad. In some barrels with a burned out breech, the filler moves the patched ball into the barrel where the patch is not shredded by the rough breech. The use of filler such as Cream of Wheat or corn meal is one of those experiments to try to see if there is any improvement. I have to admit that I am not of the level of proficiency that I would likely see improvement in performance.

 

[curator]

Grenadier1758 has it right! The use of a filler like Cream of Wheat cereal between ball and powder will allow for a much looser patch/ball combination without sacrificing accuracy. If there is sufficient filler to compress into a bore-sealing wad, it prevents blow-by and burned patches. Most single shot pistols are difficult to load with a tight ball/patch. Original high-end pistols often came with a "loading mallet" to assist in loading a tight load. Many a competitive pistol shooter has broken the stock of their single shot pistols using a loading stand and tight loads. The trick is finding the right amount of powder and filler that gives the best accuracy with your gun.

 

[Stony Broke]

I guess that would make some sense if a guy wanted to use a loose patch/ball combination. I have been shooting pistols for years, and this has never crossed my path before. I really don't like loading stands because of the stress you could put on the stock, but I might have to try the filler thing one day just out of curiosity. I have a couple other Pedersoli single shot pistols and they are very nice shooters, just using the standard old method of loading.

 

[Skychief]

Interesting concept.