Caulk Backer rod as a filler/wad

The Swede · July 29, 2011, 12:28:15 AM

Anyone use caulk backer rod as a filler/wad in their BP/Sub loads? Curt Rich talks about it on his CAS website. I just wanted to get some thoughts, or feedback on it.

Swede

Cookie · July 29, 2011, 12:35:54 AM

I don't personally, but two ~~gamers~~ guys at my club swear by it.

They only shoot BP during the yearly BP-only matches, and use backer rod to down load their 38's as much as possible. $:-\$

fourfingersofdeath · July 29, 2011, 03:45:05 AM

Whats backer rod, styrene or something? We have a guy who makes his wads from waxed cardboard banana boxes. He's not a gamer, but he isn't a warthog either.

Peddler Parsons · July 30, 2011, 12:22:20 PM

I did use it, but now I use water board (used to hold flowers & water in a bowl) cheaper and it does not leave a plastic mess in the barrel like the shot cups do in my sxs.

fourfingersofdeath · July 30, 2011, 08:45:03 PM

I'm still ignorant as to what backer rod is, sounds like a styrine rod used to fill up a joint and stop caulking mix disappearing into the gap. If it was around the right 'calibre' it would be a quick wad option.

Sir Charles deMouton-Black · July 30, 2011, 09:56:27 PM

Quote from: fourfingersofdeath on July 30, 2011, 08:45:03 PM
I'm still ignorant as to what backer rod is, sounds like a styrine rod used to fill up a joint and stop caulking mix disappearing into the gap. If it was around the right 'calibre' it would be a quick wad option.

You gotter, Otter!

I gotta look up summa dat "waterboard".

fourfingersofdeath · July 31, 2011, 12:28:54 AM

That florist's waterboard would be the go. You could cut it into strips the length you want it and just a bit bigger thanthe width of the inside of the case and just press it over the cartridge (maybe even shotshell) mouth. Must try it.

Cookie · July 31, 2011, 12:33:03 AM

Quote from: fourfingersofdeath on July 30, 2011, 08:45:03 PM
I'm still ignorant as to what backer rod is, sounds like a styrine rod used to fill up a joint and stop caulking mix disappearing into the gap. If it was around the right 'calibre' it would be a quick wad option.

Sorry, but I have no idea what it actually is.

All I know is these two guys at my club swear by it as a filler. They say it's basically weightless, and it disintegrates when ignited. From what they said, it's an easily available plumbing item. (One of the guy's a plumber.)

Also, sorry if it sounded like I was saying that anyone who uses fillers is a gamer. That's not what I meant at all. The term simply applied in this case. They're my buddies, but they ARE gamers.

Lefty Dude · July 31, 2011, 12:37:47 AM

What's a gamer ?

The Swede · July 31, 2011, 02:05:14 AM

Thanks for all the answers. I do NOT plan on using with BP. I have some 777 that I want to use, and I want to tone it down a bit. I like BP loads with no fillers. I can't shoot fast enough to be a gamer... I just like to have fun, shooting BP is fun!

Swede

Rev Willy Duncum · July 31, 2011, 10:06:12 AM

Caulk backer rod is a length of foam that comes in various widths for use in weatherstipping and where you need to fill large gaps without using excess caulk, etc. They are ususally found in weatherstripping areas of the box stores, hardware stores etc. Also they come in near perfect sizes to fit 38/357, 44's and 45 cases, easily cut with a razor knife.

They burn up and do not leave any residue in the barrels such as the plastic wads for shotguns when using BP. I normally use warthog loads but when I need a break, I use them and they work great.

Hope that helps.

The Swede · July 31, 2011, 03:09:42 PM

Quote from: Rev Willy Duncum on July 31, 2011, 10:06:12 AM
Caulk backer rod is a length of foam that comes in various widths for use in weatherstipping and where you need to fill large gaps without using excess caulk, etc. They are ususally found in weatherstripping areas of the box stores, hardware stores etc. Also they come in near perfect sizes to fit 38/357, 44's and 45 cases, easily cut with a razor knife.

They burn up and do not leave any residue in the barrels such as the plastic wads for shotguns when using BP. I normally use warthog loads but when I need a break, I use them and they work great.

Hope that helps.

It do. My concern was the residue left behind, but that is not an issue. I was mainly going to use it with 777. Black powder, and most subs are not so easy to get where I live. Pyrodex is almost impossible to get. A lot of shops do carry 777, so that is an alternative when BP is not available.
777 (FFg) is supposed to be 15% hotter than an equivalent BP load, so I would like to tone it down a bit. One of my favorite pistols is my Uberti Schofield (5 inch barrel), and it loves to be shot with BP loads. It can go all day without any binding what so ever. I understand that they do not like a steady diet of hot loads hence the reason to tone down the 777.
I shot some full loads of 777 through my Uberti Cattleman (SAA), and I thought I was shooting a .44 Mag. It was fun, but it got me wondering how long these Italian Repros would last with a steady diet.

Swede

fourfingersofdeath · August 01, 2011, 02:12:07 AM

Quote from: Rev Willy Duncum on July 31, 2011, 10:06:12 AM
Caulk backer rod is a length of foam that comes in various widths for use in weatherstipping and where you need to fill large gaps without using excess caulk, etc. They are ususally found in weatherstripping areas of the box stores, hardware stores etc. Also they come in near perfect sizes to fit 38/357, 44's and 45 cases, easily cut with a razor knife.

They burn up and do not leave any residue in the barrels such as the plastic wads for shotguns when using BP. I normally use warthog loads but when I need a break, I use them and they work great.

Hope that helps.

Gotta go to the plumbing supplies to get a pressure reducer in the near future, I'll have a look while I'm there.

August · August 02, 2011, 06:26:33 PM

Quote from: Lefty Dude on July 31, 2011, 12:37:47 AM
What's a gamer ?

A name that bullies who don't practice call people who do practice.

The Swede · August 02, 2011, 11:56:36 PM

I went out to buy some today. It was only available in 3/8" and 7/8". Living on Vancouver Island is wonderful, but not when you try to find stuff like this.

Swede

cpt dan blodgett · August 20, 2011, 12:03:20 PM

Looked at some at ACE hardware in Glendale AZ
They had it in 3/8 and 1/2
the desert seems to be as bad of as Vancouver when it comes to selection.

Will try Lowes and Home Depot.

PS local walmart super center does not have paraffin canning wax but carries all kinds of canning and jelly jars - go figure.

The Swede · August 21, 2011, 04:54:50 PM

I ended up buying some waterboard from a local florist. It worked quite well , and left no residue. Only tried on the 777 loads. The black powder loads are just fine as they are.

Swede

Sir Charles deMouton-Black · August 21, 2011, 06:37:31 PM

Quote from: cpt dan blodgett on August 20, 2011, 12:03:20 PM
Looked at some at ACE hardware in Glendale AZ
They had it in 3/8 and 1/2
the desert seems to be as bad of as Vancouver when it comes to selection.

We live on vancouver ISLAND. Totally surrounded by "the salt chuck". The good merchants take advantage of our supposed isolation. I prefere to think of it as a protective moat. At Nanaimo, 1.5 hours from Victoria where I live, there is a Princess Auto store, Western Canada's answer to Harbour Freight. There is another one outside of Vancouver. If I drop South of The Line, there is a real Harbour Freight at Bellingham, WA.

I enquired at a florist about the foam, which they were happy to order for me by the case. I'll stick with Cream of Wheat.

hellgate · August 21, 2011, 10:59:37 PM

Capt. Blodgett,
I recently saw canning wax in 1 lb blocks in a large grocery store (Winco Foods).

The Swede · August 22, 2011, 12:19:13 AM

Quote from: Sir Charles deMouton-Black on August 21, 2011, 06:37:31 PM
We live on vancouver ISLAND. Totally surrounded by "the salt chuck". The good merchants take advantage of our supposed isolation. I prefere to think of it as a protective moat. At Nanaimo, 1.5 hours from Victoria where I live, there is a Princess Auto store, Western Canada's answer to Harbour Freight. There is another one outside of Vancouver. If I drop South of The Line, there is a real Harbour Freight at Bellingham, WA.

I enquired at a florist about the foam, which they were happy to order for me by the case. I'll stick with Cream of Wheat.

I was able to get a block for a few dollars...