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45 Felt Wads - A Must-Have Component For Accurate Shooting

The .45 caliber has been used by military and law enforcement agencies around the world. Felt wads are commonly used in firearms to separate the powder and shot or slug in a shotgun shell. With that said, 45 felt wads are useful when it comes to customizing one’s loads and improving shooting accuracy and consistency.

Author:Xander Oddity
Reviewer:Dr. Felix Chaosphere
May 01, 202355 Shares738 Views
If you’re a gun owner (and hopefully a responsible one), then you must be familiar with 45 felt wads.
When it comes to shooting accurately, every component of a firearm plays a critical role.
One such component that is often overlooked is the felt wad.
Felt wads are small pieces of compressed wool or synthetic fibers that are used to cushion the bulletand protect the gun barrel from damage.
While they may seem like a minor detail, they can have a significant impact on the accuracy of your shots.
In the case of a 45-caliber firearm, felt wads are considered a must-have component for accurate shooting.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of using 45 felt wads and why they are an essential part of any shooter’s toolkit.

Making Lubricated Felt Wads for Black Powder Revolvers

Felt Wad Meaning

In the context of guns, “wads” refer to small, disk-shaped components that are used in shotshells or shotgun cartridges. They are typically made of materials such as plastic, fiber, or felt.
Wads are placed inside the shotgun cartridge between the powder and the shot.
There are different types of wads available, each with different properties and intended uses.
Some wads are designed for use with specific types of shot (e.g., lead or steel), while others are designed for specific applications (e.g., hunting or target shooting).
They serve several purposes, including:
  • Protecting the shot from the hot gasses generated by the powder, which can cause deformation or damage to the shot.
  • Reducing recoil by absorbing some of the energy generated by the firing process.
  • Helping to create a gas seal, which ensures that the pressure generated by the burning powder is used to propel the shot forward rather than escaping around the sides of the cartridge.
Did you know that among a variety of applications, one of the uses of the felt wad is as a wick in oil lamps?
But, of course, we’re talking about guns here; so, we’ll be sticking to wads and will now proceed with something more specific.
A felt wad is a small piece of compressed wool felt (a non-woven fabric) or synthetic fiber that is used in the loading process of firearms, such as shotguns or a .45 caliber.+
Felt wads such as 45 felt wads are typically circular in shape. They are placed between the powder and the shot in the shell.
The primary function of the felt wad is to act as a cushion between the gunpowder and the shot in the cartridge, which helps to protect the shot from damage during firing and to ensure that the shot column remains compact and even.
Felt wads are typically used in shotgun shells or shotshells.
Shotgun shells are cartridges loaded with small lead or steel pellets used for hunting birds, small game, and clay pigeons.
When the gun is fired, the felt wad helps to cushion the shot, which reduces deformation and damage to the pellets. This results in a more consistent and effective shot pattern, which is essential for accurate shooting and hunting.
In addition to their cushioning properties, felt wads can also help to reduce fouling in the gun barrel by containing the powder residue from the cartridge.
This is particularly useful in shotguns, which can be prone to fouling due to the high volume of powder residue that is produced during firing.
Felt wads come in various sizes and thicknesses.
Some manufacturers also offer pre-cut wads that are specifically designed for particular types of shotgun shells.
Overall, felt wads are versatile materials that can be used in a wide range of applications (such as those 45 felt wads) due to their:
  • durability
  • absorbency
  • insulation properties
Circular felt wads inside a clear plastic packet, a dozen muzzleloader bullets and Bob Parker’s business card
Circular felt wads inside a clear plastic packet, a dozen muzzleloader bullets and Bob Parker’s business card

45 Cal Wads

Choosing the best 45 felt wads for your shootingneeds involves considering several factors.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:
Step 1: Determine your shooting needs.
Before choosing the right felt wads for your shooting needs, you need to define what type of shooting you will be doing.
Are you shooting for sport, hunting, or self-defense?
The answer to this question will help you determine the best felt wad type for your needs.
Step 2: Determine your firearm specifications.
The type of firearm you are using and its specific dimensions will determine the thickness and diameter of felt wads that will work best for your firearm.
Step 3: Research available felt wads.
Research the different types of felt wads available on the market, such as those 45 felt wads.
Compare them to your firearm specifications by looking at their:
  • composition
  • thickness
  • diameter
Step 4: Read product reviews.
Look for reviews from other shooters who have used the felt wads you are considering.
Pay attention to any feedback on these three things:
  • performance
  • durability
  • ease of use
Step 5: Consider the cost.
Felt wads can vary significantly in price. So, consider your budget when making a decision.
As of this writing, Parker Productions from Idahosells 45 felt wads online for $6.99 (50 pieces).
A reminder, though, from the store:
Recommended for used between bullet and powder on all bullet to bore rifles. Not for use with sabots.- Parker Productions, Inc.
Step 6: Purchase a few different types.
If possible, purchase a few different types of felt wads that you believe may work for your shooting needs.
Test them out at the range to see which one performs best with your firearm.
Step 7: Choose the best felt wad for your needs.
After testing, choose the felt wad that performs best with your firearm and meets your shooting needs.

Make Wads The easy way

How Can Felt Wads Help Maximize The Shooting Accuracy Of A .45 Caliber?

Below are some of the things that 45 felt wads can do to help with one’s shooting accuracy:
1. Reducing Bore Fouling
When a firearm is fired, residue from the gunpowder and bullet can build up in the bore of the barrel, which can affect accuracy over time.
Using a felt wad between the powder and the bullet can help reduce this fouling by absorbing some of the residue and keeping it from sticking to the barrel.
2. Consistent Bullet Seating
The felt wad can help ensure that the bullet is seated in the same position every time it is fired.
This can help improve accuracy by reducing variation in bullet placement.
3. Uniform Pressure
When the bullet is fired, the gasses from the gunpowder expand rapidly, creating pressure that propels the bullet down the barrel.
Using a felt wad can help ensure that this pressure is evenly distributed behind the bullet, which can help improve accuracy.
It’s important to note that felt wads such as 45 felt wads are not a guaranteed way to improve accuracy.
Other factors can all play a role in accuracy, including the following:
  • shooter’s technique
  • quality of the firearm
  • ammunition being used
However, felt wads can be a useful tool for shooters looking to maximize their accuracy.
A black 45 caliber on black cloth and a stack of bullets, with five bullets lying on the cloth near it
A black 45 caliber on black cloth and a stack of bullets, with five bullets lying on the cloth near it

People Also Ask

Is A 45 A Powerful Gun?

Yes, the .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridge is generally considered to be a powerful round.
It has a large bullet diameter of .451 inches and is known for its stopping power, making it a popular choice for self-defense and law enforcement use.
The .45 ACP has a reputation for being a reliable and accurate cartridge with good penetration and expansion characteristics.

What Is .45 Caliber Use For?

The .45 caliber cartridge has been used in various firearms throughout history, including:
  • handguns
  • rifles
  • submachine guns
The most common use of .45 caliber ammunition is in handguns, particularly in the 1911 pistol, which was designed for the U.S. Army in the early 20th century.
Additionally, the .45 caliber cartridge has also been used in a variety of other firearms, including:
  • submachine guns (e.g., Thompson)
  • the Uzi
  • some rifles (e.g., M1 Carbine)
The .45 ACP cartridge was specifically designed for the 1911 pistol. It became one of the most popular handgun cartridges in the world.

Why Is It Called 45 Caliber?

The term “45 caliber” refers to the diameter of the bullet used in a firearm.
Specifically, a .45 caliber bullet has a diameter of .45 inches or 11.43 millimeters.
The term “caliber” itself comes from the Latin word “calibre,” which means “diameter of a cylinder or bore.”
So, when referring to a firearm, the term “45 caliber” simply means that the bore of the gun is designed to fire bullets with a diameter of .45 inches.
This terminology is commonly used in the United States, where the .45 caliber cartridge has a long and storied history, particularly in military and law enforcement applications.

Final Thoughts

The 45 felt wads play an important role in the performance and accuracy of shotguns and other firearms.
They offer a lot of help, such as:
  • protect the shot from damage
  • ensure a consistent shot pattern
  • reduce fouling in the gun barrel
As such, 45 felt wads are an essential component of any shotgunner’s reloading kit.
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Xander Oddity

Xander Oddity

Author
Xander Oddity, an eccentric and intrepid news reporter, is a master of unearthing the strange and bizarre. With an insatiable curiosity for the unconventional, Xander ventures into the depths of the unknown, fearlessly pursuing stories that defy conventional explanation. Armed with a vast reservoir of knowledge and experience in the realm of conspiracies, Xander is a seasoned investigator of the extraordinary. Throughout his illustrious career, Xander has built a reputation for delving into the shadows of secrecy and unraveling the enigmatic. With an unyielding determination and an unwavering belief in the power of the bizarre, Xander strives to shed light on the unexplained and challenge the boundaries of conventional wisdom. In his pursuit of the truth, Xander continues to inspire others to question the world around them and embrace the unexpected.
Dr. Felix Chaosphere

Dr. Felix Chaosphere

Reviewer
Dr. Felix Chaosphere, a renowned and eccentric psychiatrist, is a master of unraveling the complexities of the human mind. With his wild and untamed hair, he embodies the essence of a brilliant but unconventional thinker. As a sexologist, he fearlessly delves into the depths of human desire and intimacy, unearthing hidden truths and challenging societal norms. Beyond his professional expertise, Dr. Chaosphere is also a celebrated author, renowned for his provocative and thought-provoking literary works. His written words mirror the enigmatic nature of his persona, inviting readers to explore the labyrinthine corridors of the human psyche. With his indomitable spirit and insatiable curiosity, Dr. Chaosphere continues to push boundaries, challenging society's preconceived notions and inspiring others to embrace their own inner tumult.
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