Another noob question. On most all videos of cleaning sidelock ML's they use a round cleaning patch to clean and lube the bore, and all the round 2" to 2 1/2" patches are marked as muzzleloader cleaning patches. Will 2" to 2 1/2" square patches work or are the round one preferred for some reason ? 2" or 2 1/2" preferred ? -Thanks
Cleaning jags can be a little tricky to use because they can cause the jag to get stuck in the bore, I mean really stuck.
And then if the rod breaks or the jag breaks off it can cause a problem to remove.
There can be some trial & error involved with selecting the right patch to use with a jag.
Some folks reduce the diameter of their cleaning jag so that it's not quite as tight and won't get stuck.
But that can also lead to a patch that's too small or thin to get lost in the bore.
So make sure that you have a patch worm in case you ever lose a patch in the barrel, then you can fish it out with the patch worm.
This is a TC patch worm or patch puller.
I prefer to use an undersized .41 cleaning jag that works with many different calibers.
However, I cut home made patches from old tee shirts and learned how many times to fold them over to get the right tightness in the bore.
Sometimes they slip off and that's where the patch worm comes in handy.
Using a slotted tip is a lot easier if you have the right attachment.
I also use a plastic slotted tip that came with a BP cleaning kit, but some shotgun patch loops can be used with a ramrod if you have an adaptor.
Then you can use the square patches of your choice.
Sometimes it's tricky to get the patches into the barrel if they're too large but you can figure it out.
FWIW here's an example of a shotgun patch loop and thread adaptor combo. :
1.
https://www.emshootingsupplies.com/store/p364/10/12/16/20_GA.__5/16-27_THREAD.html#/
2.
https://www.emshootingsupplies.com/store/p447/10/32_TO_5/16-27_THREAD.html#/
I don't know which caliber that your gun is but if the tip is too large of a diameter then maybe it can be reduced.
They also make a smaller patch loop, but if it's too small to hold large patches then they may not clean well.
Muzzle loading allows for a lot of options.