Wool Wads... Are They Necessary?

Published on June 16, 2018
Duration: 4:12

Dustin Winder of Guns of the West explains the purpose of wads in cap-and-ball revolvers. Wads, soaked in lubricant, are used to keep black powder fouling soft and prevent accuracy degradation. Alternatively, lubricant can be applied directly over the ball in the chamber. Both methods aim to deposit lubricant in the bore, with visual confirmation at the muzzle indicating success. The video also touches on preventing chain fires through proper ball fit and cap selection.

Quick Summary

Felt wads in cap-and-ball revolvers are used to keep black powder fouling soft, preventing accuracy degradation. Alternatively, lubricant can be applied directly over the ball in the chamber. Visual confirmation of lube on the muzzle indicates sufficient bore lubrication. Proper ball fit and cap selection are key to preventing chain fires.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction and Common Question
  2. 00:16Purpose of Wads in Black Powder Revolvers
  3. 00:41Alternative Lubrication Method
  4. 00:55Common Lubricant Mixture
  5. 01:13Checking for Sufficient Lube
  6. 01:29Live Fire Demonstration
  7. 02:00Lube Deposit Observation (Wad Method)
  8. 02:08Lube Deposit Observation (Lube Over Ball)
  9. 02:41Resetting for Second Method
  10. 03:01Are Wads Necessary? The Verdict
  11. 03:13Chain Fire Prevention
  12. 03:32Best Practices for Preventing Chain Fires
  13. 03:46Conclusion and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of using wads in cap-and-ball black powder revolvers?

Wads, typically soaked in a black powder lubricant, are used to keep the fouling soft as it accumulates in the bore. This prevents the fouling from gumming up the rifling, which can negatively impact accuracy.

What are alternative methods to using wads for lubricating black powder revolver bores?

Instead of wads, you can load the ball directly on top of the powder in the chamber and then apply a black powder lubricant on top of the ball. This method also deposits lubricant throughout the bore.

How can I tell if my black powder revolver is sufficiently lubricated?

A good indicator of sufficient lubrication is to observe the muzzle of the firearm after firing. If you see a small amount of lubricant deposited on the muzzle, it suggests that lubricant is being carried all the way through the bore.

What are the best ways to prevent chain fires in black powder revolvers?

To prevent chain fires, use an oversized ball that shaves a ring of lead when inserted into the chamber. Additionally, ensure you are using the correct size percussion caps, as chain fires can also originate from the rear of the chamber.

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