From a frustrating previous experience, if the patch/ball combination is too tight then this might lead to your ramrod giving up, the stock ramrod is best kept securely in the pipes and a range rod substituted, even more so for extended use. I know it's something else to carry, especially in the field, but there's nothing worse than your ramrod letting go mid-match!! Enjoyed the video by the way, your enthusiasm is definitely contagious!I use .480 round balls and the red striped ticking. I believe its .014 thickness. Today..I was using the thinner muslin material and hitting the targets 80% of the time. I'm probably going to start using that more often. Easier to load.