54 Caliber Patch Diameter

[NEW222]

I apologize for a second topic so quickly, but this week I will be getting some patch material and was wondering what the diameter of patches are for both 50 and 54 calibre muzzleloaders. There was none available locally, so I could not measure them. I also did a search online and the best I could find was thickness of patches. I was going to cut square patches and lube them up, but I may just cut out some round patches for my rifles and am wondering if anyone here would happen to know the diameter required for both. I will also be making a few strips as well, and was thinking of 2 - 2 1/2" wide to cut at the muzzle? Thank you kindly again in advance.

 

[Stumpkiller]

1-1/2" for .54 and 1-3/8" for .50 leaves you plenty of margin for error.

I tear six foot strips of 1-1/2" wide cotton and I can cut a hole out at the muzzle with cloth left all around with the .54

 

[Wes/Tex]

What Stumpkiller said! :wink: You only need 1.3" of material to reach center of side of a .540" ball...1.5" strips will do it with left overs. Going much smaller will make it a bit more difficult to center patching over bore and material is cheap enough.
Unless you want to get silly and use thin leather which can usually be picked up off the ground, licked off and reused! Well, maybe not the lick off part! :rotf:

 

[NEW222]

Thank you again. Your help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Black Hand]

Square patches are quicker to make than round, and the shape has no effect on shooting. I make square patches that are saturated with bear grease and stored in a tin until needed.