Even More on Muzzleloading Shotgun Wads

Both Malcolm Cobb’s (February 2020) and Robbie Crawford-brunt’s (May 2020) articles refer.

Obviously those who shoot muzzleloading shotguns competitively know the best way to load them. But, as reference is made to ‘in the spirit of the original’ let us see what Lieutenant Colonel Peter Hawker has to say on the subject in his instructions to young sportsmen published in 1833.

Well, he has quite a lot to say, and mentions pasteboard, cork, oakum and felt. He further mentions that the wads should be lubricated around the edge and in summing up says, and I quote, “the wadding that covers the powder should be thick and airtight while that which covers the shot should be thin and with vent.” A vent is a small notch cut in the side of the wad to allow air to escape when it is rammed home. – Steve Berkemeyer, Free State