Walt and all,
When we talk of commercial wads, they didn't really come into use until into the 19th century. Before that, pasteboard could be bought in sheets from the gunsmith, and wad punch of correct size was supplied with the gun.
This is of course speaking of guns charged with lead shot, not a ball.
When wads became available, some were anointed around the edges with mercury, as this prevented the barrel leading (it was claimed), but at one point, many gunsmiths wereall vying with each other for the best and most up to date wadding.
Col. Peter Hawker did trials with a good few of these, and certainly had his preferences. Like him though, I have found cut cork wads very hard to ram down.
As I said in my PM to you Walt, a lot of gunners used old paper as wadding, as it would fit any bore and works very well, but can set things ablaze ina dry time.
Ivy leaves are very good for dry conditions. (or any other tough green leaves) They shoot as hard as any other wadding, and will not set the country ablaze. I got this as a young lad from a very old gunsmith and it has worked anytime I needed to avoid fires.
As Rich said though, Spanish moss, tow from an old saddle, or cardboard works. Grass is good for holding the shot in place.
Some nowadays use wool, but it was frowned on in the 18th C. ...."Wool is nothing worth" (From An Essay on shooting").
All the best,
R.
