Anyone use a card/wad under patched ball?

[TommyKid]

The title says it all. I've recently read of folks using either cards or wads under the patched ball. Does anyone here do this and what benefits do you get from it?
Thanks,
Tom

 

[cratwelder]

I was getting so-so groups out of my 45 flinter, with some patch tearing and burn through. I decided to try 45 caliber lubed felt pistol wads(for cap and ball revolvers), and No more patch problems and the groups at 70 yds shrank unbelievably!!! Turned this 30 year old "minute Man" kit built rifle into a serious tack driver.

Also makes cleaning and loading easier due to softened fowling.....give it a whirl.

 

[roundball]

This was all just discussed...
http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/260550/

 

[Emet Huntsman]

I know you posted this in the flintlock area, but I do use an overpowder wad under a PRB in my Lyman GPR .54 percussion. It seems to help prevent blowby and keeps the patch intact. It definitely tightened up my groups at the range.

 

[TommyKid]

Thanks for the link to the previous discussion. Like so many other things, it appears to be a matter of experimentation to see what works best.
Tom

 

[Stumpkiller]

When I go hunting, and if I remember, I put a small wad of waxed paper between the powder and the patched ball. My thought is to keep the patch grease & oil away from the powder as I may leave it loaded for days.

 

[ohio ramrod]

I use either a leather wad or folded up dry patch between the powder and heavily lubed patch. It gives me more consistant velocity.

 

[Eric Krewson]

In my 54 Rice barrel I use a dry wool wad between the powder and patched ball. This addition shrank my groups and allows me to leave my rifle loaded, sometimes for months at a time, with no patch lube migration into the powder during deer season.

Seems like a long time to keep a rifle loaded but with a white lightning liner mine always goes off like I just loaded it when I do get a shot at a deer.

I will add, I am a fair weather hunter and don't hunt with my flintlock if there is the slightest drizzle.