Walters Wads and .45-70

JMLange · Post by **JMLange** » Mon Dec 29, 2003 11:52 am

I am just finishing up MLV's book on buffalo rifles and have the SPG manual, but have a question on wad diameter. Walters Wads appear to come .451 and .462 diameter. Is it better to go slightly over size or under size? Also, what seems to be the preferred thickness, .030 or .060?

Thanks,
John

Omaha Poke · Post by **Omaha Poke** » Mon Dec 29, 2003 3:35 pm

JM, the .451 is the wad for the .45-70. The .462 is way too large a dia. for this cal., and wouldn't work for you at all. Randy

Bob Bloyer · Post by **Bob Bloyer** » Mon Dec 29, 2003 4:28 pm

Jm,
I've been using .462 " dia ldpe wads .060 " thick in my 45-70's and 45-90 the past few years with fairly good results. I cut my own with Fred Cornells wad punch and use .060 " cause it was what I could get at the time I started using ldpe. I'm thinking the .462 " diameter wad seals any gasses from blowing by the bullet on it's short trip down the bbl. I would guess the .451 " wads are designed for the .45 Long Colt as I recall sizing bullets for that one at .452 - .454 ".
I've recovered some of the wads I've shot and believe I could use them again in a pinch. They are still .462 " and barely show the rifling. Bob

powderburner · Post by **powderburner** » Mon Dec 29, 2003 4:30 pm

the wad thickness depends on the rifle and what it perfers I use 60s in one load and 30s in a couple others try both and see what works best

Omaha Poke · Post by **Omaha Poke** » Mon Dec 29, 2003 4:36 pm

You guys are right

I don't know what I was thinking of other than I looked at the wrong wad cutter ( have a number of them) and overlooked my .45 rifle cutter which is .461 dia. Please forgive the mistake.

Randy

JAGG · Post by **JAGG** » Tue Jan 13, 2004 11:42 pm

JMLANG ! I have been using milk carton wads cut to the groove diameter of the barrel ! Nothing else has worked better to date ! I have tried .10inch hard wads from cyrcle fly but no good groups with them ! JAGG

Ken Hartlein · Post by **Ken Hartlein** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 11:22 am

I use Circle Fly wads that are .460 diameter, they really work well in my 45-70. I don't use the Walters wads because they don't make the correct diameter (in my humble opinion only) for the .458 bullets that I shoot. The .460 diameter wads really fit great in my cases.

Ken Hartlein · Post by **Ken Hartlein** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 11:23 am

I appoligize for asking a question on your thread, but do you guys know where I can get some .441 wads for my .43 spanish??

Lee Stone · Post by **Lee Stone** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 11:53 am

Ken,

Have you tied Juarez?

Ken Hartlein · Post by **Ken Hartlein** » Tue Jan 27, 2004 7:21 pm

Ha Ha, very funny Lee!! I called Mr. Walters and I tell you he is one of the nicest persons I've ever talked to on the phone, and he has a wad just for the .43 spanish!!