Wad stiffness and pattern tightness

[Penguin907]

Does anyone know much on how on the stiffness of a wad impacts pattern? For example, the TUPRW wad is very similar dimensionally to the Ranger Elite wad, but it is much stiffer. I suspect it would tighten the pattern by not releasing shot as early as a more flexible wad.

[swampfox62]

Old post, but I am new to the forum,  have an interest in this and will comment and discuss:  Yes, I think a stiffer wad will help contain the shot and make a tighter pattern. I have not used the TUPRW wad but am looking at the Ranger Elite wad for some turkey loads.  Also, the Ranger Elite wad comes in slit and UNSLIT, which can make a difference so, I hear. 

Also, I have done some research on using buffers, which help keep to pattern tight and are described as:

"Buffered loads produce superior, more consistent patterns by reducing random pellet to pellet influences during setback. Each pellet is embedded into a protective cushion of buffer."

I am looking am doing some load development using #6 shot, my favorite and have been reloading, shotgun, rifle and handgun for many years (40+ to be exact), am a former competitive shooter in skeet (A class), and Service Rifle (Master).


Here are the links -

https://www.ballisticproducts.com/Advantages-Manual-12th-Edition/productinfo/00MADV/

https://www.ballisticproducts.com/Ranger-Elite-12ga-Unslit-Wad-100_bag/productinfo/32212REUS/

Interested in other fellow shooter's experience for those that reload.

Thank you and tight groups.

Fletcher (swampfox62)

[crow]

In a couple of older guns that were made before plastic wads, the thicker the modern plastic wad is, the worse the pattern is in these guns.

They pattern better with the thinner plastic wads in trap loads than with the thicker wads for steel or tss. They pattern even better with traditional wad combos than with the thinner plastic wads.

In more modern guns I do get better patterns with lead shot using thicker plastic TSS type wads. And experimenting cutting your own slits can improve the pattern