Kapok vs. Polyester Filler

[Uncle Grinch]

Are kapok and polyester fillers interchangeable?

Been using polyester at times, but found an old life vest full of kapok. Now I have a choice... or do I?

Any advantages/disadvantages one over the other?

[robg]

I'm using toilet paper in my 45-70 ,a long time 45-70 shooter recommended it ,works well just leaves a little charred paper ash on the floor .

[Kraschenbirn]

To answer your question, you should be able to use kapok interchangeably with Dacron (or similar) without any issues. Haven't used any kapok recently, myself, but tried it as a filler when I first began tinkering with CBs in bottle-neck cartridges (.30-30, 7TCU, and 7BR) for TC Contenders back in the early 1980s. Actually, as I recall, I first read about using kapok as a filler in the old 'Tech Notes' column of the Rifleman probably sometime in the late 70s (before it turned into an advertising brochure). Back then, though, I was pretty ignorant about shooting cast in 'rifle calibers' and never really got it to come together. Wasn't until I got my first BPCR...a .38-55 Highwall...about a dozen years ago and found this forum that I began to get my stuff scooped into a manageable pile.

Bill

[Bent Ramrod]

I have half a shopping bag of Kapok from an old chair cushion. That is a lifetime supply, for me at least. Works great and have never rung a chamber.

[webfoot10]

I use the lint from the clothes dryer. Just burns up and leaves no ash. Don't think
it will cause any barrel ringing as it is just cloth fiber.

[Uncle Grinch]

I’ve got a buddy who uses the old dryer sheets as patches for bore cleaning.