wonder wads

[preston cook]

when loading an 1860 army repo. with bullets should you use a wonder wad under the bullet or not?

 

[bpd303]

I use them with bullets and round balls thereby eliminating the need for grease over the chambers.

 

[Kansas Jake]

I load them over the powder and under the ball.

 

[jimhallam]

I use them in my Tranters --- work a treat, especially if you use a reduced charge and some filler as well. After all -- - we are shooting holes in paper, not using the revolver for more serious purposes.

 

[OldNo7]

Buy them in bulk from Buffalo Arms, or get a cutter and make your own with felt from DuroFelt (DuraFelt?) -- much cheaper than the 100 packs.

Old No7

 

[Rat]

I use them, like them, but wouldn't get into a debate over them. Hey! I use my revolvers for serious purposes!!! Well...if small game, survival, or the occasional coup-de-gras is serious enough. ??? And the cool factor is very serious indeed.

 

[Ksacane]

I know they say that you don't need to use grease on top of the ball. Is that safe? Just want to make sure. I haven't had any problems yet doing it that way, but my charges have been fairly light.

 

[Ketchakah]

I have always hated grease on revolvers, so i have used the wads. Not sure what was done originally but i am thinking neither. My revolver does cut a very consistent ring from the ball when loading, and i think this has a huge impact on the question at hand.
My other thought is the lead we use. Ball today i believe to be harder then the originals. A softer, oversized ball will mold to the cylinder more tightly. I truly believe this was the original idea.
That said, I like the wads better then grease.
SM

 

[azmntman]

when loading an 1860 army repo. with bullets should you use a wonder wad under the bullet or not?

It dont hurt a thing. It may help with accuracy and keeping fouling soft (if they are lubed). I use em on a few revolvers, others shoot better w/o. NO GREASE FOR ME its a mess, plasters the mirror real bad when shooting out the window of the Corolla. Tight ball with a ring shaved would seal good enough, a chain fire would start other end. If ya have to pinch yer caps to have em stay on you may have a chain fire.

 

[bigted]

I have adopted the paper cartridge thing and dunk em in lube so i neither use wads nor over ball grease.

Altho nothing wrong with any method even going lube-less. Many rounds have left my revolvers using ALL methods and to be honest i find each to have benefit ... however ... my current method is working for me and i relish the trail much more then the destination. These revolvers are ZEN for me anyway and even the cleaning is a prescription for peace of mind.

 

[stubshaft]

when loading an 1860 army repo. with bullets should you use a wonder wad under the bullet or not?

Under the ball, on top of the powder.

 

[toot]

where do I get this DURO/ DURA FELT? what is it used for? do you lube it or use it dry?

 

[nhmoose]

http://www.durofelt.com/image_26.html

I melt my lube dip wads in and then drain fully

 

[drobs]

I made my own 44cal wads with Durafelt bought at the above website, a 7/16 hole punch from Harbor Freight:
https://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-hollow-punch-set-67030.html

and an electric hand drill:

Still playing with DIY lube. My current batch is too sticky and wads are sticking to the base of the ball throwing off accuracy.

 

[Rat]

I have adopted the paper cartridge thing and dunk em in lube so i neither use wads nor over ball grease.

Altho nothing wrong with any method even going lube-less. Many rounds have left my revolvers using ALL methods and to be honest i find each to have benefit ... however ... my current method is working for me and i relish the trail much more then the destination. These revolvers are ZEN for me anyway and even the cleaning is a prescription for peace of mind.

Will your dunked cartridges store for long periods of time? And or can your revolvers be left loaded for long periods of time?
I just realized today that when I leave my revolvers loaded for long periods of time with the lubed wonder-wads, the loads do indeed go soft. This has never been the case with a rifle or musket, but I think that's because the powder charge, in relation to the lube in the wad, is greater. Not a whole lot of powder in the chamber of a revolver.

 

[drobs]

Before making my own felt wads I bought 500 Wonder Wads from a fella on another BP Board. They are dry Wonder Wads and came in clear soft plastic bags. I add a little lube between the wad and ball. Seems to work good for my Pietta 1860 Army.

I also lube the arbor (cylinder pin) with Bore Butter which keeps the gun running / shooting for days at a time.