Manual

4. Characteristics of independent wads.

a The over-powder wad consists of a disk of firm cardboard, approxi-

mately 1/4-inch thick. Its purpose is to fit the bore in order to seal the

gas released by the burning of black powder. When the gas pressure

builds, the over-powder wad expands slightly to form a gasket and

utilizes the full energy of the gas pressure to push the charge out the

barrel. Do not lubricate the edges of the wad. To do so will prevent a

good seal.

b. The filler wad consists of a disk of pressed felt or cork, approximately

1/2-inch thick. Its purpose is to cushion the shock of the gas pressure

and, thereby, prevent the shot pellets from becoming deformed. De-

formed shot pellets will not pattern well as they exit the bore.

NOTE: Never substitute a filler wad or shot wad as a replacement for the

over-powder wad, as it will not properly seal the gas pressure.

c. The over-shot wad consists of a disk of thin cardboard, approximately

1/32-inch thick. As its name implies, its purpose is to hold the shot

pellets in position and prevent them from rolling down and out the

bore.

d. The barrel loading sequence when independent wads are utilized is:

1. Chosen volumetric powder charge

2. One over-powder wad

3. One filler wad

4. Chosen volumetric shot pellet charge

5. One over-shot wad