Over powder card size

[garra]

Here is a newbie question. Do you want the card to match the bore, be undersized or oversized by a little bit. Reason I am asking is that I have an odd size bore and card is oversized, at least according to TOW specs. Don't want to open package if they will not work.

thanks

 

[Jim Vatt]

A little oversized is always better than undersized. I've seen some folks who claim loss of gases in a smoothbore doesn't matter much. I, personally, think they're "fool of it." My two guns must be unusually fussy if this is true. I can't remember what the difference is for my .75, but the 16 gauge bore is .662 and the cards are stamped out at .672.

 

[Jim Vatt]

Prior to finding a wadcutter for the 16 and store-bought wads for the Bess, I cut them by hand, and there was a tremendous advantage over these when I got more uniformity. Amazingly, I achieved better accuracy with paper wasp nest and tow than the hand cut wads!

"Ohioramrod" on this forum made my punch for the 16 ga. Not to be a salesman, but very reasonable and quick turnaround. You might consider measuring the bore and contacting him if what you have is too tight for your liking.

 

[George]

I've always used Circle Fly wads, overpowder, cushion and overshot. My 20 ga. wads of all three types measure .66", and they fit my .62" smooth bores just right.

Spence

 

[Joel/Calgary]

Concerning wad sizing, Circle Fly Wads are sized from .010" over bore diameter for 28ga to .018 over for 4ga. Insufficiently oversize and/or insufficiently thick (depends on the material & diameter) wads can produce gas leakage, especially if your bore is less than perfect. FWIW, I've use home-punched wads up to .025" over bore (depending on what punch I had available) in my 16ga without difficulty in loading.

Regards,
Joel