Tow as an over shot wad

[Eric Krewson]

Last year I went turkey hunting, hunted with the same loaded gun for a few days and decided to shoot my gun and unload it. To my surprise it went "bloop" instead of bang, the shot had slipped away somewhere during my travels up and down hill and dale.

This has happened to one of my friends, the best turkey hunter I know, when he drew down on a strutting gobbler at 20 yards with his flinter and got a "bloop" as well. He now packs a wad of newspaper over his OS card to keep everything in place.

I have plenty of tow, I have noticed it sometimes lights off when shot and smolders for a while.

I am thinking about using lightly oiled tow over my shot card to keep everything in place. Naturally I don't want anything to interfere with the shot pattern and don't think tow will but need a second opinion.

Has tow changed any of your patterns when used as an over shot "retainer".

 

[Knapper51]

Eric,
I've been experimenting with tow and other forms of wadding. I've had to stamp out a couple of small grass fires started by smoldering tow so I pretty much gave up on it. On the other hand, if you are using a 1/8" overpowder card, shot, thin overshot card, and tow then you shouldn't have that problem. You might also try using two or three thin overshot cards instead of one. FWIW the only thing that has blown my shot patterns is the use of a thick lubed cushion wad. I don't understand why but a cushion wad will sometimes tend to make the pattern "doughnut" with far fewer pellets in the center than around the edges.

John

 

[George]

I've used tow a fair bit for both overpowder and overshot wadding, tow only, no cards, have never had trouble with the shot moving or rolling out, and I get good patterns. I've done the same with something very similar, shredded cedar bark, same experience. This has been in 4 different barrels, 3 cylinder and one strongly choked.
So, I don't think putting some tow over your overshot card would interfere with your patterns. Instead of tow, though, I would just put down another thin overshot card. It won't cause any problems.

I've never had a problem with shot shifting or rolling out when using just a thin overshot card, either. Are you sure your cards are properly sized for your bore?

Spence

 

[coloradoclyde]

I've been experimenting with tow and other forms of wadding. I've had to stamp out a couple of small grass fires started by smoldering tow

I've never had lubricated tow smolder or catch fire.........beeswax and olive oil mix.

Are you lubing your tow?

 

[spudnut]

wasp nest if you can get it , any part, paper or chamber/comb they don't burn

 

[ncmtmike]

I just use tow :wink: lubed with olive oil,no flames,no lost or misplaced shot. Hope this helps you out :wink:

 

[Knapper51]

CC. No, I wasn't lubing the tow. Never considered doing so, really. I have tried tow, grass, leaves, paper wasp nests, etc. I'll have to give lubed tow a try.

John

 

[coloradoclyde]

Just lube it lightly but thoroughly......you don't want to turn it into a wax slug :grin:

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I make a pretty tight ball of tow when I use it overshot or over ball...new tow, as it resists ignition...never had a problem.

LD