Gentlemen, New Guy is correct, the wad was not the problem all by it's self! The problem is that 5744 powder is not a powder that can be used with filler, of any kind! 5744 powder is a silly speciality powder that is to be used in very large cases on NE cartridges, and carries a warning of "NOT TO USE FILLER". The fault is not the wad, but the Crap-Wad that did not follow the rules with 5744 powder.

With any powder that doesn't fill the case with a load that is needed to replace the old CORDITE, (excepting 5744 which is not to be used with wads of any type) can be used with the proper aplication of a filler. The key to this damage is two fold was the powder used, and the way the powder was held in place with the filler. Firstly no filler was indicated with 5744 powder, but even above that the 5744 charge was so small, the the filler had to be pressed down on the charge, leaving a lot of airspace between the powder and the bullet. This is a disaster wiating for the trigger to be pulled. The damage was not caused by the powder, or the filler, but by the idiot that placed them both in the same case.

When a substitute powder for Cordite is used, the modern powder will rarely fill the case up enough to make it work well without a filler of some type. However, the filler has to be properly used, regardless of which filler is used. The proper load method is load powder the charge in the case, and then the filler is also added on top of the powder, and just enough so as to be slightly compressed by the seating of the bullet, and no less, or more. No airspace between the bullet, and the filler is allowed.

It makes no difference if the filler is Kapoc, Polyfiber, or foam plugs, but wat does make a great difference is leaving air between the filler, and the bullet, OR USEING A FILLER WITH 5744 POWDER!

Gentlemen it is irresponsible to condemn the filler, the powder, or the combination of the two without knowing all the facts. This thread is how urban legends start, that condemn any practice unjustly! I'm sure if Krieghoff is told the whole story on this damage, there will be some strong language passed along to the owner of this rifle! This guy just may have gotten a $12K lesson in proper handloading of double rifles!