There are several reasons for using wads in BP cartridges. One of them is to hold the powder in the case if you are breech seating bullets. Another is to compress the powder in order to get good combustion with black powder. A third is to ensure there is no air space between the black powder and the bullet. Yet another is to hold the powder charge back against the bullet, if you are using small charges of a fast burning powder. Still another is to seal the bore to prevent gas blow-by before the bullet is able to expand