using a wad over smokeless powder

[debass]

I'm starting to breechseat bullets in my Ped. 38-55. The 306 gr. bullet extends into the case about 2 grease grooves. I'm using 18.5 grains of 5744 with a wad over it to hold the powder in place. Does there need to be a certain amount of air space between the powder and the wad or can I seat the wad directly on the powder or maybe compress it a little without causing chamber ringing or spiking the pressure? I've searched the archives and cannot find any info.

[Rico1950]

PLEASE READ!



http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=109280

[debass]

Thanks for the info Rico1950. I read it all including the links and although it didn't address my question specifically, I gleaned enough info from it to not leave air space between the wad and the base of the bullet. So I used the tp filler method with the wad at the base of the bullet. For the first time, all the 5744 burned nice and clean and I got less than a moa at 100 yds., although there seemed to be more recoil when all the powder burns, probably higher velocity too.