Quote:
Originally Posted by Varyon
Unless I'm mistaken, the bullet would need paper (or similar) wrapped around it as well in this case; one purpose of the wad was to hold the bullet in, and this is doubly important for a sub-caliber (prior to the expansion of the base from firing) bullet like the Minié.
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Minié balls didn't use a patch. The ball's base expanded on firing, creating a solid seal. The grooves were generally filled with grease, to help lubricate the bullet and soften fouling.
If these guns are using a form of smokeless powder, which is sounds like they are, fouling won't be a big deal, so patches will be even less necessary, and the bullets can be made closer to the bore's actual size, improving accuracy.