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Howdy, just now finally getting back in bp shootin' ? i have plethora of .490 hornadays, seem to loose loading, safe to dbl patch? Opinions from the floor, please
Dbl patch .490 ball in 50 cal?
- Thread starter Bigdaddykane
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Depends on your patch thickness and actual bore diameter. Any idea as to what your bore diameter, rifling depth and patch thickness measure?
I'm fairly new to muzzle loading myself but I wouldn't double patch, I'd go with a thicker patch, I'm shooting a 50 cal and using a .020 pillow ticking patch lubed with Track of the wolf mink oil. You may also try a .495 round ball with the patch you're using now and see if it's a better fit
Finding the correct thickness for a single patch would probably be a better solution. Then adjust your powder load in 5 gr increments to get your best groups. I don't shoot RB anymore so I'll let someone else suggest a starting.load.
Loose as it just drops on its own, or loose that you were expecting to pound it with a hammer? Snug and bit of pressure to seat the ball usually shoots fine...what I mean is it doesn't have to be hard to seat to work well.
What's the gun and what have you tried?
What's the gun and what have you tried?
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As best i can figure with my dual caliper is .480 & .493 patch is pillow ticking . Not real confident in mesurements
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You can double patch, but a thicker single patch would be ideal. Try some .024" denim or canvas.
If you could measure your patch thickness, we might be able to steer you in the right direction for a thicker patch. Ticking from Joann's has measured at .012 for the red and .015 for the blue for me but I understand the same from Walmart measures differently.
I have ditched ticking in favor of pocket drill from Joann's that measures at .018 for me. I tried the various weights of denim; the lightest weight was flimsy and about .016, seems like the next weights were about .020 and .025, a little too tight for my use.
I have a tight bore TC that I couldn't pound a .495 patched ball down the bore with a hammer but a .490 with a .015 patch fits just right.
I have ditched ticking in favor of pocket drill from Joann's that measures at .018 for me. I tried the various weights of denim; the lightest weight was flimsy and about .016, seems like the next weights were about .020 and .025, a little too tight for my use.
I have a tight bore TC that I couldn't pound a .495 patched ball down the bore with a hammer but a .490 with a .015 patch fits just right.
Banjoman
Hillbilly
How accurate is your gun with .490 balls and the patches you have? You don’t have to load with a mallet for a gun to be accurate. Below is a group shot at 75 yards using .490 round balls and what some folks would call thin patches. Patches were cut from an old, well worn, cotton shirt and lubed with spit plus beeswax/olive oil. The load went down with slight pressure on the ram rod.
Mike in FL
50 Cal.
I think you have the load components. Just right. I showed that group to my newest m/l and wow is she jealous. She has promised to do better.
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Lucky you. My .50 won't accept a .490 even with the thinnest patch. I use a .480 rb. Maybe you can try a .405 RB. Not all barrels are the same.
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More likely he meant 0.485".
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Yeah, it's safe.
However; it's a hassle you don't need. Try some canvas patches with mink oil lube.
