wads

[dennyhawk]

just wondering if anybody here has tried using nitro cards as a over powder wad in a .54 cal rifle when shooting a ball.

[followed by]

I use over powder wads in my smooth bores as they tend to blow through patches if I don't. My rifles have never shown a need for them!

[Bigsmoke]

If I am using heavy powder charges, I do.  I find that 20 ga cushion wads work well in my .62, 14 ga wads in the .69 and 12 ga. in the .72 and of course, 8 ga in the 8 bore.
On my rifles, 150 grains of powder seems to be the point where I start to get burnt patches.
I also find that by pushing a cushion wad down it wipes the bore of fouling and leaves a light coat of lube on the barrel, making it easier to wipe of the crud on the next shot.
Also, in chronograph tests, I have found that having the additional sealing properties of the wad, I get a little better velocity out of a given charge using the wad.
A 28 ga wad will work pretty good in .54 and .58 rifles.
And of course, there is the old weasel clause, YMMV.

[dennyhawk]

Thanks guys!
I just like the idea of getting of getting a good seal.
I've not really had blow-by problems,I just like the idea of getting everything I can get from my rifle, both in accuracy & power.
I don't use what I consider heavy charges....80 gr of 3fff, with a .535 home cast  R.B., and a .015 patch, lubed with pure pork lard.
But it just stands to reason in my mind that there must surly be some gas escaping on each shot. :rt th