CT,
Peter Hawker (The Father of Gameshooting" ) in his book "Instructions to young sportsmen..." says that some old gunners still used paper as wadding, A lot used "Pasteboard, which I gather is likely as thick as a thin nitro card wad, and some used felt wads. also cork.
He advised the latter types to be in thickness, about 1/3 the diameter of the bore, so Not too thick. (No thick cushion wads over the powder)
Also a thin wad over the shot, he also said a wad cutter that cut a groove down one side, as it aided seating by reducing air pressure. (Top wad only)
Before his time, felt from an old saddle was popular, as was hat, (felt again) and hanging moss from trees, plus the ivy leaves for reducing fire risk at dry times.
Most anything will make a good wad, but not wool!
The thin felt wads the Colonel recommended would have to be pretty hard dense felt, not soft gutless stuff.
Best,
R,
PS, He also recommended loads a good bit heavier than we use today.