Chuck, thanks for the observations on cocked wads, and especially the explanation of how they happen in a PW loader. Cocked wads in a 12 gauge gun are largely eliminated by paying attention to the situations you mention in the PW, condition of wad guide fingers, and full indexing. However, I have not experienced the phenomenon of cocked wads remaining in the barrel except in .410. The off sound of a cocked wad in the .410 has always resulted in an inspection of the bore before an accident happens. I don't believe a cocked 12 gauge wad would remain as close to the chamber as the Baker blowup would indicate, even if the wad did remain in the barrel. As you mention, a 12 gauge wad has a secondary gas seal, but the .410 wad does not. That is why the cocked 12 gauge wad almost never stays in the bore and the .410 cocked wad often remains in the bore after firing. As far as your question about pressure generated in a cocked wad load, it would probably be a bit lower than normal because of gas leakage past the shotload. If gas leakage past the shotload was unrestrained, I would guess the pressure would be very low. Cocked wads in 12 gauge loads is largely eliminated when using a fully supported wad like the Federal SO which is almost impossible to cock. Wads like the Winchester 12 gauge variations are not fully supported and can easily cock in the seating operation. In the loader, the Federal SO would remain intact while the mouth of the shell would be destroyed, giving the person loading the shell a "clue" that something is wrong. Thanks again.
