To Wad or Not to Wad...That is another question!

[RoadKill_RPD]

As a follow up to my Wax On/Wax Off post, I am using paper cartridges in my .36 1861 Pietta revolver. The Cartridge Kits paper kit does not mention using wads in the instructions. If I decide to pour instead of using the paper cartridge (If I run out and want to keep shooting), do I need to place the wad between the powder and ball? Along the same line of questioning, does the ball need to be patched in a revolver?

 

[Smokerr]

Absolutely no to patching. Whole different world than a muzzle loading rifle.

Wad traditionally goes between the powder and ball. Yea I am being a bit smart, it has occurred to me that the wad up front might be better than wad in between (cleans the barrel ahead of the ball).

 

[Sound Tribe]

Never patched balls

Otherwise, some people do both options of wads or not

To avoid most fouling you can go: powder > lubed wad > ball > lube/cylinder grease of your choice, usually lambs tallow+beeswax is best

If you don't care about fouling at the moment and just want to get a shot off fast: Powder > ball alone is fine

But the most simple yet still helpful way is what @Smokerr said: Powder > wad > ball

 

[RoadKill_RPD]

Cool! Thank you!