Wad over primer hole???

[ButlerFord45]

I'm pretty new to big bore B/P loading, and I've noticed that on occasion someone will mention putting a newspaper "wad" over the flash hole???  What's the purpose of this?


Butler Ford

[dozer]

The wad prevents small grains of powder falling into the flash hole/primer and altering ignition.  This may or may not happen consistently and cause variation.  It is a personal choice and those using them are trying for the most consistent, accurate load possible.  Not everyone agrees they are needed and it is another step in loading and time.

[ShortStake]

Gents and Madams,

The more reading on the subject of BPCR loading and reloading that I do, the more it seems that we are all bent on making work out of minute details.  Could be age realated?  Could be searching for that single most beneficial ingredient of the total procedure?  

It also seems that the details involved are what makes BPCR loading and reloading interesting.

Virtually all the BPCR shooters seem to be converts with many, many years of smokeless, centerfire loading experiences.

Who of us have thought of everything possible and done everything?  Gleaning (stealing) information from other's experiences is something for which I'll gladly be known.  Sharing is what it is all about!  

Using newsprint wads over the primer flashhole has certainly surfaced in the numerous subject matter pieces perused.  Some claim improved results via lower extreme spreads in velocity.  Others voice their opinion of the procedure being wasted effort.  A mirror of everyday life!?!  

Having yet to try the procedure, my experience is nil.  Another note in the logbook of things to do......  

The ONE single tidbit to surface was the thought of installing the newsprint wad into the case PRIOR TO any primer seating.  This would preclude any wad tipping and fighting trapped air below the wad.  

Maybe someone else will chime in with first hand experience?

[w30wcf]

ButlerFord45,

The other use for a primer wad is to soften the brisance of  a rifle primer to that of a pistol primer to help keep the  fouling of the sporting black powder grades (SWISS) soft.  

Shooters using older rifles  have been concerned over the use of pistol primers since they are somewhat shorter than rifle primers, which in some cases can "peen" the face of a breechblock since the pistol primer can get a running start, so to speak, in backing out of the case.  

By using primer wads, which in some cases, depending on the shooter's experiments,  may be 2 or more layers thick, the rifle primer can be used successfully with the SWISS grade of sporting b.p.

w30wcf