I shoot a .58 cal rifle with a Rice barrel. I currently shoot 110 gr FFG with a .570 round ball and .018 ticking. Is there any atvantage in going to a larger ball and thinner patch?
.570 or .575?
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My .58cal deer hunting load is 100grns Goex 2f, Oxyoke wonderwad, .018" pillow ticking, and Hornady .570...accuracy is outstanding and I wouldn't think of changing a thing.utseabeescw said:
For me personally I like a thicker patch, holds a little more lube, a tad easier to load, etc.
Are you having any problem that you're trying to fix?
Not having any problems. Just expermenting with different combinations for my latest rifle. Guess it would not matter much, there's only 7 or 8 grains difference in weight between the two balls.
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ut,
All barrels are different and will perform at their peak with the right combination of patch, ball, and powder load.
You should experiment and find out what yours likes.
The variations of rifling type, depth, and rate of twist as well as the finish on the rifling lands will determine the right load combination.
Personally, I'd only shoot a 110g load for hunting. It's just overkill and a waste of powder for plinking or paper punching. Probably not the optimum load for accuracy either. BUT prove that to yourself by trying different combinations.
A few thousandth difference in patching, a few grains of powder either way, will sometimes be significant.
Most of todays big name barrels like a tighter fitting patch and ball combo. A lot of target shooters use a bore sized ball and literally drive the ball in with a mallet.
For most purposes, this is just not necessary.
TC's and GPR's, etc. have shallow rifling and like a smaller patch and ball combo in general.
Again, shoot groups, keeping track of the variations and use what your gun likes.
IMHO :v
All barrels are different and will perform at their peak with the right combination of patch, ball, and powder load.
You should experiment and find out what yours likes.
The variations of rifling type, depth, and rate of twist as well as the finish on the rifling lands will determine the right load combination.
Personally, I'd only shoot a 110g load for hunting. It's just overkill and a waste of powder for plinking or paper punching. Probably not the optimum load for accuracy either. BUT prove that to yourself by trying different combinations.
A few thousandth difference in patching, a few grains of powder either way, will sometimes be significant.
Most of todays big name barrels like a tighter fitting patch and ball combo. A lot of target shooters use a bore sized ball and literally drive the ball in with a mallet.
For most purposes, this is just not necessary.
TC's and GPR's, etc. have shallow rifling and like a smaller patch and ball combo in general.
Again, shoot groups, keeping track of the variations and use what your gun likes.
IMHO :v
Slowpoke is right about thicker patches in deeper rifling. One of the reasons I originally tried experimenting with leather patches. Leather will be twice, or more, the thickness of cloth but compresses to a much greater degree. They require more work to get ready for use, granted, but they don't smolder on the ground and can be picked up and re-used if you like. I hit the local auto parts stores when they have a chamois sale but started with brain tanned deer hides to be "authentic"...but got lazy in my old age!! :haha:
MikeChapin
58 Cal.
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You also might want to try a .562 with a thicker patch. I use a .562 with a .024 denim patch in a GM barrel. I tried a .570 with a .020 Ox-Yoke which shot as well but was more difficult to load.
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