When and why to use a Wad?

[stratofisher1]

I am going to see how my 460 NE conicals shoot today. It was mentioned that shooting over 100 grains you need a MMP sub base or equivelent. I was planning on using felt wads. What are the benefits and drawbacks of using wads or those sub bases. I am new at this and want to get a good accurate load. Thanks

[cayugad]

Why would you use a sub base with a 460 grain No Excuse Conical? They are a flat based projectile. The MMP sub base comes to a point to fit into a hollow base or sabot. Also they are used when you really want to push a projectile hard, to protect the base of the projectile, be that a sabot or a hollow base conical.

A wad on the other hand will also protect the base of the conical or projectile from the powder explosion. It will produce a more constant even pressure behind the bullet so it is claimed. The rule of thumb I use is if the projectile has a flat base then a wonder wad, or bore button might help improve accuracy. Notice I said, might. All you can do it try the projectile in question and see if the wad helps.

I have found wads helpful with conicals and even patched roundball...

Good luck and have fun shooting..

[Roskoe]

I may have been the one who recommended using the MMP sub base with charges over 100 grains. Was talking specifically about the 410 gr. Hornady Great Plains bullet - which has a base that is a real good match to the dome front of the MMP sub base. This is the only bullet I have tried so far that the MMP sub base makes a real positive difference, though- particularly at the heavier charge levels. I think some others (Bigcountry?) use them with sabot rounds at magnum charge levels with good results. I understand they were originally designed for the smokeless loads used in the Savage MLII.

Like Cayugad, I have had a mixed bag of success using various wads and sub bases. The Wonder Wad worked well with the T/C Maxi Hunter in my Black Diamond. Some folks have reported using a pink Winchester AA 28 gauge shotgun wad (after cutting off the petals) as a wad. I would say generally to try abullet without the wad and, if it isn't shooting all that tight of a group, then try the wad. Some will shoot better - some worse .

[stratofisher1]

Thanks for the replies. I will be starting out without the wads and see what I get. I thought I was going to the range this weekend. The range was closed for the Easter holiday. I am getting tired of the city life. Ready to get back to shooting in the backyard. Anyways I am going to start the the 460 NE and 80 grains 777 FFG. I will work up from there and see what I get. Thanks for all the good inputs on the forum.