Traditions Wonder Wads 50 Pack Cleaning Patches 44/45 Cal Review

The Traditions Wonder Wads 50 Pack Cleaning Patches 44/45 Cal Made a Bold First Impression

As a seasoned outdoorsman and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my fair share of cleaning products claiming to improve firearm performance. However, the Traditions Wonder Wads 50 Pack Cleaning Patches 44/45 Cal piqued my interest with their promise of enhanced accuracy and all-natural lubrication. I was looking for a more efficient and eco-friendly way to maintain my black powder revolvers and shotguns.

My journey with black powder firearms started over a decade ago, battling the persistent fouling that plagues these historical weapons. After wrestling with inconsistent results using traditional patches and lubes, I decided to give the Traditions Wonder Wads a try. Upon opening the package, the 100% wool wads immediately impressed me with their consistent size and generous application of WonderLube1000 Plus.

Compared to pre-cut cotton patches I’d used in the past, the Traditions Wonder Wads appeared thicker and more uniform, suggesting better sealing and lubrication. I’d also considered using felt wads from other manufacturers, but the all-natural WonderLube1000 Plus swayed my decision toward the Traditions product. My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism; I was eager to see if these wads could live up to the hype and simplify my black powder cleaning routine.

Real-World Testing: Putting Traditions Wonder Wads 50 Pack Cleaning Patches 44/45 Cal to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial field test occurred at my local outdoor shooting range, focusing on my .44 caliber Pietta 1858 Remington revolver. I loaded the revolver with lead balls, placing a Traditions Wonder Wad between the ball and the powder charge. The weather was slightly damp, adding another layer of challenge to the test.

The most noticeable difference was the reduced fouling after each shot; the Wonder Wads seemed to effectively scrape the barrel clean and deposit a consistent layer of lubricant. I also observed a tighter grouping on my target at 25 yards compared to using traditional patches and Crisco as lubricant. The ease of use was immediately apparent, as I simply needed to place a wad on top of the powder before seating the ball.

There were no malfunctions or misfires during my first use. The Traditions Wonder Wads even seemed to slightly reduce recoil, likely due to the improved gas seal and consistent lubrication.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, including a black powder hunting trip in moderately dusty conditions, the Traditions Wonder Wads continued to impress. The wads consistently reduced fouling and maintained accuracy, even after multiple shots between cleaning. There were minimal signs of wear and tear on the wads themselves, indicating good durability.

Cleaning my revolver became significantly easier. Because the Wonder Wads kept the fouling to a minimum, the barrel required less scrubbing and solvent during the cleaning process. The improvement over my previous experiences with homemade patches and messy greases was undeniable. The Traditions Wonder Wads have proven themselves to be more reliable and efficient.

Breaking Down the Features of Traditions Wonder Wads 50 Pack Cleaning Patches 44/45 Cal

Specifications

The Traditions Wonder Wads 50 Pack Cleaning Patches 44/45 Cal are designed for use with .44 and .45 caliber black powder firearms. Each pack contains 50 pre-lubricated 100% wool wads. The wads are saturated with Traditions WonderLube1000 Plus, an all-natural lubricant.

The primary purpose of these wads is to improve performance and accuracy with revolver balls, conical bullets, and 12 gauge black powder shotguns. The consistent lubrication and improved gas seal provided by the Wonder Wads contribute to more consistent velocities and reduced fouling. This is crucial for maintaining accuracy and preventing malfunctions in black powder firearms.

Performance & Functionality

The Traditions Wonder Wads excel at their intended purpose. They significantly reduce fouling, improve accuracy, and enhance the overall shooting experience with black powder firearms. The main strength lies in the consistent lubrication and gas seal they provide.

However, the wads are only compatible with .44 and .45 caliber firearms, limiting their versatility. There is room for improvement in packaging; a resealable container would help prevent the wads from drying out over time. Overall, the Traditions Wonder Wads meet and exceed expectations for black powder cleaning and performance enhancement.

Design & Ergonomics

The Traditions Wonder Wads are simple in design, focusing on functionality over aesthetics. The 100% wool construction provides a good balance of absorbency and durability. The wads are easy to handle and load, even with gloved hands.

The pre-lubrication eliminates the need for messy grease application, simplifying the loading process. The design is user-friendly and requires no special tools or techniques.

Durability & Maintenance

The wool material is reasonably durable and holds up well to the pressures of black powder shooting. With proper storage in a cool, dry place, the Wonder Wads should last for an extended period. However, if left exposed to air, the WonderLube1000 Plus can dry out, reducing their effectiveness.

No specific maintenance is required, but users should ensure the wads remain properly lubricated before use. A resealable container or occasional re-application of WonderLube1000 Plus can help maintain their condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Traditions Wonder Wads 50 Pack Cleaning Patches 44/45 Cal do not come with any additional accessories. However, they are compatible with various .44 and .45 caliber black powder firearms, including revolvers and rifles. Users can also experiment with different powder charges and projectiles to optimize performance with the Wonder Wads.

There are no specific customization options, as the wads are pre-sized and lubricated. But the user can further experiment with different lubricants to tailor the wads for specific environmental conditions or performance requirements.

Pros and Cons of Traditions Wonder Wads 50 Pack Cleaning Patches 44/45 Cal

Who Should Buy Traditions Wonder Wads 50 Pack Cleaning Patches 44/45 Cal?

The Traditions Wonder Wads 50 Pack Cleaning Patches 44/45 Cal are perfect for black powder enthusiasts, hunters, and competitive shooters looking for a more efficient and accurate way to maintain their firearms. They are particularly beneficial for those who value convenience and ease of use in the field. Anyone who wants to minimize fouling and improve accuracy with their .44 or .45 caliber black powder guns will find these wads invaluable.

Those who own black powder firearms of other calibers or prefer to use traditional patches and lubricants should skip this product. While the Wonder Wads are effective, they are not a universal solution for all black powder firearms.

A must-have accessory to consider is Traditions WonderLube1000 Plus for re-lubricating the wads if they begin to dry out. A resealable container for storing the wads is also highly recommended.

Conclusion on Traditions Wonder Wads 50 Pack Cleaning Patches 44/45 Cal

The Traditions Wonder Wads 50 Pack Cleaning Patches 44/45 Cal offer a significant improvement over traditional black powder cleaning methods. At a price of $8.99, they are an affordable and effective way to enhance the performance and reliability of .44 and .45 caliber black powder firearms. The reduced fouling, improved accuracy, and ease of use make them a worthwhile investment for any serious black powder shooter.

I personally recommend the Traditions Wonder Wads to anyone seeking a cleaner, more consistent, and enjoyable black powder shooting experience. Give them a try, and you’ll likely find yourself leaving the messy greases and inconsistent patches behind.