[mannparks]

in 50-70 or 45-70 cases what are the pros & cons to using wads? --charles

[Moe M.]

Originally Posted by mannparks

in 50-70 or 45-70 cases what are the pros & cons to using wads? --charles

That would depend on the loadings, the usual way is to fill the case with black powder or an equivilent powder (never smokeless powder) and seat the bullet on top of the charge and lightly crimp the case.
The best and most consistent loads are weighed and loaded through a drop tube of at least 16"'s long.

If one wants to reduce the charge, in my case I have a .45/90 first model REM. Rolling Block rifle, 90 grns is a pretty stiff load, and isn't really necessary for paper punching, so I reduce the powder charge to 60 grns., wads tend to build un-necessary pressure, I've found that using a filler works much better, and it's cleaner burning.
What I use is a pinch of poly pillow filling over the powder, then I use cream of wheat to top off the case, then I seat my bullet over the cream of wheat with a light compression and lightly crimp.

This method works great for me, but remember that the case must be filled and the bullet seated firmly on top of the charge or you have an unsafe condition.

[Hawg]

I never used a wad in an original 1884 trap door carbine. Load powder to within 1/16 of case mouth and 405 grain bullet. BTW it depends on the particular gun whether it will handle smokeless or not. The 1884 trap doors are fine with it. The 73's aren't.

[Bigcountry02]

I finally had calm to light wind today at the range; pulled out the C&B. I shot 20 rounds only, since had to leave for home. No issues at all used 15 grain and increase to 20 grain. No kick at all! The target for ball placement at 10 yards, was aiming almost 5-8 blocks down from center of the target using the front sight.

I have photos will need to pull from the camera, later.