Unless using a heavy powder charge I don't believe they are needed with real black powder...If you find the correct ball/patch combo and use a good lube you should have no problems...
Some guys go to these to correct other problems, like too thin of a patch, too small a ball, patches being cut by rifling, substitute powders used, etc...
The only time I use them is when shooting my fowler. For the rifles, no, but that is what works for me. Experiment and see what works best for you and your pieces.
Best of luck and happy shooting!
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It depends on the rifle I am shooting, the powder I am using, and the type of bullet. On flat bottom conical bullets like the REAL conical, I find they help. When shooting Triple Seven and patched ball I find they protect the patch. Like I said, I use them some of the time.
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Like Cayugad, I use them depending on circumstances. I find that Triple 7 under a patched ball usually needs a wad. Lee REALs almost always seem to shoot better with a wad, regardless of powder used. Also, I seem to get the best accuracy in my Great Plains flintlock with a wad between the powder and ball. For hunting with a patched ball I always load a dry wad between the powder and ball to protect the powder from the patch lube over an extended period of time.
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I only have 1 ML that shoots round balls, My 50Cal Dixie Gun Works (Poor Boy) there all I ever used between the ball and patch and I always got great accuracy, so I use them
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i use .54 cal felt wad in my .50 cal hawkins on powder then my patch/ball.i punch out my own from insulation felt that cayugad put me on too years ago.not expensive.i feel it just makes a tighter fit on keeping gas in even tho i tight patch should be enough.
i was burning patches pretty bad in my .54 renegade using 80 g vol. T7 3F
started using felt bore buttons and the patches came out fine and also improved the accuracy alot......karl
Over the Powder Wads? Any of you fellers use em
