buffer wad "pistoning"

[Paul Harm]

It's something you'll have to put up with. When loading muzzleloading shotguns the wads must be reseated because of compressing the air. I used to push the wad down fast and let go of the ram rod and it would jump back up almost out of the barrel. It would take another push or two to make sure the wad was seated. Then kind of throw the rod hard back down the last couple of inches and make it bounce. I never noticed it with brass shells but my wads were probably not as tight as your wads. Your first over powder wad should be the one that is the tightest. It's a hard card about .140- then your buffer wad [ or cushion wads as I call them ] . You are useing an overshot wad aren't you ? Any ways, just reseat your wads a couple of times before you put in the shot - you don't have to cut them. Good luck - Paul

[Jeff Mayhew]

Originally Posted by Paul Harm

You are useing an overshot wad aren't you ?

Thanks Paul. I'm using an overshot "card" of thin cardboard (see "G" in the picture, below). Are you suggesting I need something in between the shot and this card? None of the instructions I have found suggest this, although I suppose a "cushion" to take up any slack caused by settling shot might make sense.



I did fire the shells, and they worked perfectly. What a blast!