Trouble with cork overshot wad

[Fiftyfour]

Tried using a 1/8 inch cork wad over the shot.  Part way down the barrel it either breaks or rotates sideways.
The barrel is 16 gauge and I'm using a 17 mm punch. Tried an 11/16 inch punch but they seemed too big.
I did put a hole in the overshot wad.  I wonder if my ram rod end needs to be larger in diameter? Any advice?
Thanks

[smallpatch]

Yes.   A larger end will keep it from turning.  Never used cork.  Fiber ones are a little more durable, and hold more lube.

[Pukka Bundook]

Yes, a flared brass or horn tip to your rammer will stop them turning.  Same can happen with card.

Best,

R.

[Scota4570]

Circle Fly Company has all the wads you could ever need.  They are extremely cheap.  To me, it is not worth cutting my own.  I found overshot cards seated easier if I cut a nick in the corner to let the air pressure leak out. 


IF you really must DIY it, use newspaper or copier paper.  I made a hammer die  using a tube and plunger to compact crumpled paper.  The wads  come out a cylinder shape. That might be of interest if you want to make wads.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I second the Circle Fly approach.  I use their paper overshot wad, press the edge against the muzzle's thin edge to create a little nick.  This allows air to pass as you seat the wad, and a rod with a tip that just fits the bore prevents the wad from going sideways.

[Pukka Bundook]

Scota,

Do you have a square barrel??   "I cut a nick in the corner to let the air pressure leak out."   

Very sorry! could Not resist!

Do Circle fly make proper Felt wads?

All the best,
Richard.

[axelp]

I will bite the edge to create a divot that will allow air passage. works fine. the thin ones will turn on ya unless you have a bell flair on your ramrod. I used to wrap linen string around the end of my rod to create a wider surface. That worked but has to be redone every now and then.

K

[Pukka Bundook]

Ken,

You want an end on rammer like this;

[Scota4570]

Rammer?  For the range or at a blind I use as large a dowel as I can, that still fits down the bore.  Leave it extra long.  The big fat rod makes loading much easier. 

[Pukka Bundook]

Yes a loading rod is good for target or the range, but not in the woods and fields especially.

Best,

R.

[Daryl]

At the range or at rendezvous when shooting shot, I use a 1/2" nylon rod (same one I use to clean my 14 bore rifle) with just under a 20 bore jag on the end for seating loads- never turns a wad.  For hunting, the rifle's rod, with large end is used, which also does not turn the card wads.