44-40

[JKR]

Since spring I’ve loaded and shot a great deal of 44-40.
I made a compression die to compress 35 grains of Swiss 1/2 onto which I set a 215 grain bullet directly on top.
I’ve been wondering if original cartridges used any kind of a wad between bullet and powder. Has anyone pulled down an original BP factory load?
My loading method has given outstanding accuracy but can the powder eventually be degraded by lube from the bullet?
JKR