Wonder Seals?

Model12Win · July 29, 2017, 12:06 PM

Has any one gentleman present here experimented with "Wonder Seals" for their revolving caplock pistols?

They go atop the ball, not betwixt powder and ball, as the wads do, and have such form as a stiff wax disc that is pressed thusly to the ball from the chamber's mouth. I understand the wads are popular but do not hear much on the seals. I have bought the seals on accident once for my Colt's belt pistol of navy caliber, they went unused and have since been sold along with the Colt.

I have purchased one of Colonel LeMat's grapeshot revolvers and understand they have got a rather small powder chamber. I think these seals could be put atop the ball, saving more space for powder that otherwise would be consumed by a felt wad, and as such be substituted for said wad.

So what is the consensus on these seemingly clever inventions?

g.willikers · July 29, 2017, 12:28 PM

If the ball is a proper fit, and an underwad is used, it's probably not necessary.
Using one would also prevent being able to use a maximum charge of powder if desired.
Lastly, it might cause accuracy issues, having to load the bullet farther from the barrel.
Just a thought or three.
Only one way to find out, though.

44 Dave · July 29, 2017, 01:09 PM

I believe than one of the pistol competitions requires over bullet grease, these may be made for that market.

Tinbucket · July 29, 2017, 02:14 PM

Don't shoot competition. I did experience cross fire from the mouth of the cylinder.
Some holes on these Imports might be one .452 and some others .453 or .454.
So I use oversize balls and the extra lead gets saved off when loading, give little longer bewaring surface and heavier ball, and tight fit. I load the balls over two lubed CVA over powder wads. Only ones around here. I could use three or four as thee cylinder is that long with standard loading. If you are still getting cross fire try a larger ball and over powder wad. If you still need over ball lubed wad let us know. If required in competition that's another thing. Shooting black lets gunk build up but not usually in the cylinder?
Even so for informal shooting I like Triple 7. Maybe the idea is getting a little lube on the barrel bore before the ball passes, and keeping gunk soft from previous and all shots?

g.willikers · July 29, 2017, 10:58 PM

^^^
See the results when ya' read comic books instead of paying attention in English composition class.

Fingers McGee · July 30, 2017, 10:51 AM

I've never seen the need for lubed wads and grease. Seems like Wonder Seals are a waste of $$ to me. Your mileage may vary.

44 Dave · July 30, 2017, 01:35 PM

Haven't been wadding or greasing anything lately. Making paper cartridges then adding lube on the outside of the bullet.

July 29, 2017, 12:06 PM	#1
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Wonder Seals? Has any one gentleman present here experimented with "Wonder Seals" for their revolving caplock pistols? They go atop the ball, not betwixt powder and ball, as the wads do, and have such form as a stiff wax disc that is pressed thusly to the ball from the chamber's mouth. I understand the wads are popular but do not hear much on the seals. I have bought the seals on accident once for my Colt's belt pistol of navy caliber, they went unused and have since been sold along with the Colt. I have purchased one of Colonel LeMat's grapeshot revolvers and understand they have got a rather small powder chamber. I think these seals could be put atop the ball, saving more space for powder that otherwise would be consumed by a felt wad, and as such be substituted for said wad. So what is the consensus on these seemingly clever inventions? Last edited by Model12Win; July 29, 2017 at 12:24 PM.

July 29, 2017, 12:28 PM	#2
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	If the ball is a proper fit, and an underwad is used, it's probably not necessary. Using one would also prevent being able to use a maximum charge of powder if desired. Lastly, it might cause accuracy issues, having to load the bullet farther from the barrel. Just a thought or three. Only one way to find out, though. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

July 29, 2017, 10:58 PM	#5
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	^^^ See the results when ya' read comic books instead of paying attention in English composition class. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

July 30, 2017, 10:51 AM	#6
Fingers McGee Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2008 Location: High & Dry in Missouri Ozarks Posts: 2,113	I've never seen the need for lubed wads and grease. Seems like Wonder Seals are a waste of $$ to me. Your mileage may vary. __________________ Fingers (Show Me MO smoke) McGee - AKA Man of Many Colts - Alter ego of Diabolical Ken; SASS Regulator 28564-L-TG; Rangemaster and stage writer extraordinaire; Frontiersman, Pistoleer, NRA Endowment Life, NMLRA, SAF, CCRKBA, STORM 327, SV115; Charter member, Central Ozarks Western Shooters Cynic: A blackguard whose faulty vision see things as they are, not as they should be. Ambrose Bierce

July 29, 2017, 01:09 PM	#3
44 Dave Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2013 Posts: 584	I believe than one of the pistol competitions requires over bullet grease, these may be made for that market.

July 29, 2017, 02:14 PM	#4
Tinbucket Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2015 Posts: 355	Don't shoot competition. I did experience cross fire from the mouth of the cylinder. Some holes on these Imports might be one .452 and some others .453 or .454. So I use oversize balls and the extra lead gets saved off when loading, give little longer bewaring surface and heavier ball, and tight fit. I load the balls over two lubed CVA over powder wads. Only ones around here. I could use three or four as thee cylinder is that long with standard loading. If you are still getting cross fire try a larger ball and over powder wad. If you still need over ball lubed wad let us know. If required in competition that's another thing. Shooting black lets gunk build up but not usually in the cylinder? Even so for informal shooting I like Triple 7. Maybe the idea is getting a little lube on the barrel bore before the ball passes, and keeping gunk soft from previous and all shots?

July 30, 2017, 01:35 PM	#7
44 Dave Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2013 Posts: 584	Haven't been wadding or greasing anything lately. Making paper cartridges then adding lube on the outside of the bullet.