Hemp is usually coarser, but both hemp and flax tow were used for cleaning bores in the colonial era. Flax is softer and less likely to leave fibers behind. As for American-made tow, it’s tough to find—most are from overseas or Canada. You might have better luck checking with historical reenactment suppliers or niche gun forums
People have done that with hemp rope.
Yup.
I use hemp, have not used flax so can’t compare, works great. Rinse and repeat then for fire starting. I buy from the link bellow on ebay. Hand stripped in Pennsylvania I believe.
Hemp can be found in different courses from fine to corse, I pretty much find flax is only fine.
