Wads in the 38-40 ?????

[rbertalotto]

Are you folks using wads under the bullet in 38-40 cases with Black Powder?

It was suggested to me that wads shouldn't be used in a bottleneck case...........??

[Dick Dastardly]

You don't need them with Big Lube®LLC bullets.

DD

[john boy]

Roy, the purpose as you know using wads is to protect the base of any lead bullet.  In bottle necks, some folks use a wad for any of the lead bullets but is not a 100% requirement.  Usually is done shooting BPCR reloads and if used - never seat the wad below the bottom of the shoulder.  Significant increased pressure will be created

[Ranch 13]

I use a single card wad under the bullet when I load black in the 38-40.
Some folks just can't get it thru their head that a card wad protects the base of the bullet and that contributes to accuracy and reduces fouling and leading.
As you know the "shoulder" on a 38-40 isn't very pronounced but keeping the wad at or above the bottom of the neck is the advisable thing to do. But depending on the bullet you shoot once the powder is compressed and the wad seated there should still be plenty of room between the wad and the bottom of the neck.