W-W Seal-Tite wads

Stan Hillis · 09-06-2021, 09:37 AM

I was reading in my original Western ammunition Handbook about the then-fairly-new Seal-Tite wads. It said they were made of a composite substance that was waterproof, was able to be molded (as opposed to being cut, like the felt wads), and were designed with a concave on both sides to promote increased gas sealing.

The thought occurred to me that they didn't, of course, mention what the wads were made of. Does anyone today know? Was the composition of them ever published anywhere? Just curious, that's all.

Austin J Hawthorne Jr. · 09-06-2021, 11:10 AM

Were they actually "wads", or could they be referencing the molded over powder gas seals?

Researcher · 09-06-2021, 11:43 AM

The Seal-Tite wads were invented during the later 1920s. See all those patent numbers on vintage Western Cartridge Co. shotgun shell boxes. The ones that seem to pertain to the Seal-Tite wads are 1,485,337 - 1,576,759 - 1,577,426 - 1,659,649.

Seal-Tite Wad.JPG

In the 1939 time frame, along with the introduction of the Super-Seal Crimp on their trap and skeet loads they added a seal around the base wad --

Xpert Skeet & Trap Loads with Seal-Tite base wad and Super-Seal Crimp.jpg

After WW-II they went to the Super-Seal Cup Wads --

Xpert with Super-Seal Cup Wads.jpeg

Super-X 12-gauge, 2 3-4 inch SX12H2 Magnum 03.jpg

WW used the Super-Seal Cup Wads well into the plastic shell era.

UPLAND 1980 names combined.jpg

Dean Romig · 09-06-2021, 12:15 PM

First I've ever heard of "melted shot pellets" - or maybe I wasn't paying attention... or maybe it's just 'advertising'.

.

Stan Hillis · 09-06-2021, 01:26 PM

It's not just advertising, Dean. It's also referred to as shot balling. Extremely hot gases get past the "sealing wad" and melt the shot into a cluster of shot that sometimes (I think rarely) exits the barrel that way. I once was shooting doves with a .410 S X S and killed a crosser at about 20-25 yards. I immediately saw something near the dove fall to the ground. I walked out to retrieve the dove and it's head was laying several feet away from the body, cleanly decapitated and intact. There was not another wound from a pellet on the entire dove's body.

No other explanation except shot balling. I researched it somewhat, after it happened, and found that it seems to occur in 3" .410 shells more than other gauges, but that is only anecdotal.

Dean Romig · 09-06-2021, 01:37 PM

I have oftern heard and read of “shot balling” but never considered that the lead pellets had melted together. Thanks.

I never found this guy’s head. At a distance of 12-15 feet I don’t think it was from shot balling.

.

Double Lab · 09-06-2021, 04:54 PM

Dave,

You never cease to amaze me. Thanks for your info. on everything.

Stan Hillis · 09-06-2021, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double Lab

Dave,

You never cease to amaze me.

Amen, but still no info on the composition of the Seal-Tite wad ...........

Double Lab · 09-06-2021, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stan Hillis

Amen, but still no info on the composition of the Seal-Tite wad ...........

I'm sure the patent has run out by now but I think I have some of those old shells laying around so I will get one and dissect it.

I bet they are similar in composition to the old Felton Bluestreak wads which seemed to be a treated cork like substance.

Stan Hillis · 09-08-2021, 06:21 AM

Thanks, Daryl. i have no plans to try to reproduce them, or anything like that, just a curious mind.