Based on comments from a prior thread, I decided when loading light loads in my 505 Gibbs, that I should put in a filler.

I loaded up 100 grains of I4064 to shoot some 525 grain FMJ bullets.

I decided to use 1.5 grains of cotton for filler. My theory was, cotton is pretty flammable so it should be consumed by the powder upon ignition.

I have not shot them yet.

I got to thinking. Is adding a combustible filler an issue? Is it possible that this will change pressures in any significant way? Is it also possible that it might not be fully consumed before it exits the barrel, and that I end up launching a flaming chunk of cotton out the barrel that could possibly ignite dry grasses/etc and cause issues?

At any rate, what do other people use for fillers? has anyone used cotton?

Cotton will catch on fire sometimes and set the woods a blaze. Try foam or foam backer rod it works really well.

pillow stuffing... dacron .. 2 bucks for a lifetime supply at walmart

I use dacron, in my Lott about 2 grs. But have found that it doesn't get burnt up. I can see it floating in the air after the shot.

Check-out this link; foam (rather than dacron) was found to give best results:

http://www.b-mriflesandcartrid...0-Nitro-Fillers.html

Great,

When you say Foam, are you talking about just chunks of foam like from a foam mattress, or Styrofoam, etc?


Good to know the cotton is not a good idea. glad I asked. After I loaded, I got to thinking it might shoot out flaming wads of cotton...

Backer rod from any of the hardware stores works great. Several different diameters to suit your needs too. Just cut the rod to the length you want.

http://traderkeith.com/products.html

Scroll down to the Kynoch foam wads.

All the loads I shoot in my 450 No2 must have a filler. I have used dacron and foam plugs.

Neither burn or melt.

One thing, just make sure that your filler is compressed between the bullet and powder.

How about a case full of Trailboss and no filler? Or is that too dirty?

Thanks for the info everyone!

Make sure everything is packed down snug (this a 577 cartridge, but it gives a good idea of what is required):

http://cartridgecollectors.org/cmo/cmo05dec.htm

PS - does anyone still use card wads anymore?

The cards are needed for blackpowder and soft lead cast bullets, right?

(great photo)

Also, interesting to see how the crimped the load!

Thanks for the cut-away of the vintage .577.
VERY informative.
I've used Wal-Mart Dacron with no problems, but would like to know more about this hardware store "foam" being mentioned. What is "bar foam"..??
Thanks.

Some of the stuff mentioned can melt and that is not acceptable..The only thing to use IMO is Kynoch plugs or Dacron. Dacron is a product name so only use that listed as Dacron, as some pillow stuffing is not good stuff to run through your bore..You can buy a huge bag of dacron for practically nothing and it will last a lifetime..I normally use about 5 grains of Dacron in my 450-400 or 470 with RL-15. I don't use a filler with IMR-4831 as it fills the case and that is the only purpose a filler serves for all practical purposes, it does some other things but does that by filling the case so its a push...

Personally I would rather use the Kynoch foam plugs as opposed to weighing a wad of Dacron for each reload...You can get Kynoch wads from Old Western Scrounger, from Kynoch direct, and several other places such as the SCI shows...

There are all kinds of "foam" and "pillow stuffing" and some of that stuff turns to plastic goo and isn't good for the bore and I have been told by some that one should be careful about what he puts through a bore. I suspect that is good advise.