Optimum patch size for various caliber round balls

[smokeeater]

Is there an optimum size to cut round patch material to use with round balls?
Does this vary by caliber for .45, .50, .54, etc.?
Could I make a punch for creating the patches by sharpening the end of a certain size piece of iron pipe?

_______________________________________

Never argue with a pig,
you can’t win,
and it only annoys the pig…

 

[Bad Flynch]

There is an optimal patch for any muzzleloader being shot with a round ball. It can be made by seating the ball barely flush over an oversize piece of cloth and then trimming the cloth even with the muzzle. One simply uses this for a pattern.

However, patches cut at the time of firing are considered more accurate than precut patches because one seldom gets a precut patch centered. It also beats the one-size-fits-all philosophy of modern manufacturers.

 

[Redd Flynt]

Many years ago I used pre-cut patches and I sized them 3 times ball diameter. That allows some extra material on all sides but makes centering a bit simpler. The extra material won't have any noticeable affect on accuracy.

It seemed to me that I was always fumbling with the pre-cut and trying to get the sprue up and keeping everything centered. I finally found that I could cut at the muzzle faster than using pre-cut patches.

For making pre-cut patches use an arch punch, they come in a variety of diameters. They can be found at hardware stores, craft shops or places like Tandy Leather.

 

[Mac Attack]

I had this same question also. I have been using pre-cut and pre-lubed 0.10 patches with a .490 ball. I read how people actually cut their patches once they are in the barrel but I always thought they were the reenactor type who did it because it was they way they did it way back when.

I can see how this would be better and less wasteful. Are their specific pieces of cloth which are used for making batches or will any piece of cloth do? Also, how do you determine the thickness of cloth?

 

[Macmac]

Common pillow ticking is used which is 100% cotton. This is a rugged weave, and can be had in a variety of thickness. It is measure in thickness with a micrometer. You can also use good calipers.

It is possible to use 2 or more thickness depending on what you are doing and how hard you want to work at a single load.

Most guys find a load that works well and stay with it. They may have a load that isn't ass accurate, but the off set is easy loading.

There are more than one size ball most long guns can shoot, so then you may want a thicker patch for a smaller ball.

I have a Kentucky long rifle that shoots .390 and .395 round ball, and each has a diferent patch thickness. Each has more than one patch thickness as well.

You could use old jeans, But measuring how thick there are matters, and finding which brands of old jeans does to as many are different thickness as new.

If you use polyester, you won't for very long....