Overpowder wad and cork

[Erik550c]

Hello,

I read the instructions for the Pedersoli 12 gauge SXS smoothbore... It recommends to use an overpowder wad and a cork on top of the wad. I bought both (my cork is 1/8 inch, smaller than what is pictured in the Pedersoli how-to), but on YouTube videos they do not use the cork, just the over powder wad and over shot wad. What should I do?

From the Pedersoli how-to:

Place on the muzzle an over powder cork wad (item USA 093) and a wad (item USA 087)
and with the ramrod, carefully press it to a firm seat on top of the powder load.
Some shooters use instead of the wad a felt wad (item USA 094) and an additional over
powder cork (item USA 093).
It is advisable to mark your ramrod at the muzzle in order to have a reference (see point 17
of section “IMPORTANT CAUTIONS FOR MUZZLE LOADING SHOOTING” in this booklet).

 

[AZbpBurner]

I try to avoid over complicating muzzleloading as much as possible. If you need anything overpowder, the Circle Fly OP wads work fine.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Try both and see what works best in your barrel(s). I use the Circle Fly products but know several (including Mike Brooks) who swear by cork for wad and overshot (two as wad, one as overshot).

 

[spudnut]

I use the old time stuff like wasp nest and tow.

 

[Britsmoothy]

Leaves, newspaper, dog hair, use what you want bud.

B.

 

[Erik550c]

Leaves, newspaper, dog hair, use what you want bud.

B.

Great!

 

[Pete G]

I like the cork wads. They are easy to make with gasket material and a punch.

 

[jon math]

Once you find a load your shotgun likes they become a forgiving friend, but till then they are harsh mistresses. It’s a balance between having enough cushioning for protecting the shot from deformation but not so much wadding it blows through the center of your pattern.


Unlike shooting a PRB where the ball is a constant and the patch, lube and powder can be changed to find the right load, a shotgun has a lot of moving parts to deal with. Nothing is constant in a shotgun. A one ounce load of #2 shot will pattern differently than the same weight load of #6’s and so on.

Reducing those components is something to work towards. Loading off a bench is one thing, but in the field, during a hunt things can get hurried, the less fussing to get a good pattern the better then.

Whatever you do develop a habit so you don’t accidently load the same barrel twice. You should catch it with a marked ram rod, but pulling loads is a pain to be avoided at all costs.

 

[Treestalker]

No, son, No, never use USED cork in your smoothie! I once stole some used corks out of my wife's tackle box (she is a fishing ace, I don't even bother owning a pole anymore) and sliced them up for wads in my Traditions 12 ga single. After using them the first day I cleaned and put away the gun and gear and the kitchen had a slight fragrance akin to the gastronomic horror encountered by the prophet Jonah in the belly of the whale. Spraying various modern room air freshening concoctions only seemed to enhance the strange olfactory presence. When the reigning coastal red fish champion returned home, she asked what the Ahab was that odor? Odor, dear, What Odor? Well, living in the dog house has it's advantages. I have peace and quiet and no fishy smells. The cuisine does lack something and the fleas are murder. Lesson learned, George,

 

[Historian]

I own 3 SXS's and I use vegetable tanned leather that I punch myself over the powder. My opinion, there is nothing better to seal the bore. I use the felt wads under the shot over the leather over powder wad and then stiff over shot cardboard wad. never had any problems.

:wink:

 

[Erik550c]

No, son, No, never use USED cork in your smoothie! I once stole some used corks out of my wife's tackle box (she is a fishing ace, I don't even bother owning a pole anymore) and sliced them up for wads in my Traditions 12 ga single. After using them the first day I cleaned and put away the gun and gear and the kitchen had a slight fragrance akin to the gastronomic horror encountered by the prophet Jonah in the belly of the whale. Spraying various modern room air freshening concoctions only seemed to enhance the strange olfactory presence. When the reigning coastal red fish champion returned home, she asked what the Ahab was that odor? Odor, dear, What Odor? Well, living in the dog house has it's advantages. I have peace and quiet and no fishy smells. The cuisine does lack something and the fleas are murder. Lesson learned, George,

Lol

 

[Grandpa Ron]

Newspaper was worked for generations. Unless you are into competitive shooting, I doubt you will ever notice the difference.

Historically, the native population was well served with hair, grass and etc.

One can spend a lot of time and effort seeking the perfect pattern, only to be disappointed on the next outing.

 

[ptaska]

I have a 20ga fowler and I mostly shoot round ball. When I load it with shot, I get the dreaded "donut" pattern. Your comment about the wad blowing through the shot makes a lot of sense. I tried increasing the amount of shot, then I tried decreasing the amount of powder--still got the donut. I am using a fiber wad soaked in Crisco, so it's got some serious heft. I will try cutting them in half or into thirds and see what happens.

 

[azmntman]

My best patterns with my old 10GA perdersoli was when I mistakenly reversed the cards, over shot card over the powder and the thicker heavier over powder card on the shot. I hear others have good luck too....give it a try

 

[frogwalking]

Leave the oil soaked fiber wads out entirely. I load powder, then a thin wool felt wad filled with a mixture of mutton tallow and bees wax, an over powder card wad, shot, over shot thin card wad. No holes in the pattern, no trouble reloading with a tight fitting card wad due to the tallow/beeswax grease melted and smeared on the barrel before the fouling hits it. Can shoot all day without cleaning. The felt wads are stiff, dry, and not messy to handle, and quick to load. If you are worried about deformed shot, use magnum (hard) shot or better yet, plated shot.