Thread: .45-70; Wads or not?
Retrieved: 01/11/2015

I have not reloaded in some time, but I just reloaded fifty-four empty .45-70 shells. I found that I had no BP but two cans of Pyrodex and one of Pironeer. When I use up these powders then I will go to BP. Anyway, I used 70 grns of Pyrodex and a 405 grn bullet made with my Lee mould. The bullet has a flat bottom with several grease rings, which I filled with lube.

I have seen where some have posted about putting wads between powder and bullet. Is that all that necessary? Did the government do it with their Army issue .45-70 shells back in the 1870s or the civilian companies? I did not put any in mine.

As far as loading with the full complement of 70 grns, not having a drop tube, I had to gently tap my shells lightly to settle the powder enough to take the bullets. With a wad it would not have fit I don't think.

Anyway, I was just curious about the wads, if they were all that important.

zrifleman
Tue Mar 25, 2008

Those who have recovered bullets loaded in front of BP without a wad describe the base of the bullet as rough, cratered from powder grains. Yes, the wad is important if you want to protect the base of the bullet. It also serves as a gas check or seal.

Pistolero
Wed Mar 26, 2008

Thanks for your advice. Does having a wad or not effect accuracy? I will probably use wads next time I reload. I mold my own 405 grn bullets with a Lee mold. They are pretty bullets with several grease rings.

russ4570
Wed Mar 26, 2008

Yes, not using a wad definately will effect accuracy.

If you do load up some next time make sure you wipe off all the extra lube on the base of your bullets so the wad doesn't stick to it. Else it will also effect accuracy.

e15cap
Thu Mar 27, 2008

I stick a news print wad between wad and bullet to prevent sticking.