Ball slipping patch

[EN]

In the loading process for PRB's is it not uncommon for a ball to slip off of center of the patch while pushing it down the bore?

 

[TreeMan]

If your patch is the proper size and thickness for a snug fit once’s it’s started down the bore it won’t slip off. In 30+ years of muzzleloading I’ve never had it happen. If it worries you use a bigger patch. Round patches, square patches, patches cut at the muzzle all have seemed to work equally well in my experience even if I cut them too big. I can’t tell a difference in accuracy using either method or size. Thickness is more important for accuracy.

 

[ord sgt]

Once started into the barrel, it is very uncommon for the ball to slip away from the patch. key point..... centered on the patch.

 

[Okie Hog]

f your patch is the proper thickness for a snug fit once’s it’s started down the bore it won’t slip off.

Don't remember ever having a ball slip off a proper fitting patch.

 

[TreeMan]

Don't remember ever having a ball slip off a proper fitting patch.

Nope me either. I do believe that’s what I said.

 

[EN]

Thanks for the info. I always wondered if some slippage from center could cause a flyer. Thanks again!

 

[bang]

Use ribbon of material and short start then cut at the muzzle. Be centered every time.

 

[EN]

Use ribbon of material and short start then cut at the muzzle. Be centered every time.

Actually I was concerned that while the patch may be centered when started it might slip center in the ramming home process.

 

[Roundball 54]

That has never happened to me or to anyone else l know of .

 

[Phil Coffins]

EN, you’ll have to look for another excuse for the missing, I’ve developed well over a dozen that I use with regularly!

 

[Jim]

A careful examination of the patches that land in front of the firing line will tell you if they slipped.
All I’ve examined showed no slippage.

 

[Texas Gil]

I think I had a patch slip off twice in my 20 ga smoothie . Upon firing there was almost no recoil and I missed a 50 yd target completely. Normally my 70 Gr charge of 3f can be felt and it shoots point of aim 4” groups .I probably did not center the prelubed patch. Never had this happen in a rifle after 40 years of use.
Thinking I need to Not use precut patches on my trade gun.

 

[stikshooter]

I think I had a patch slip off twice in my 20 ga smoothie . Upon firing there was almost no recoil and I missed a 50 yd target completely. Normally my 70 Gr charge of 3f can be felt and it shoots point of aim 4” groups .I probably did not center the prelubed patch. Never had this happen in a rifle after 40 years of use.
Thinking I need to Not use precut patches on my trade gun.

Might happen with a smoothie but not a rifled barrel if any where's close to correct sizing of ball/Ed

 

[rafterob]

Cutting at the muzzle gives you a centered patch everytime. But size and shape or centered on the patch has proven not to be an issue. The instant the ball leaves the barrel, the patch parachutes away from the ball.

 

[Doc]

Actually I was concerned that while the patch may be centered when started it might slip center in the ramming home process.

EN, I purposely loaded patches off center left and right off of the bench. Was interested to see if it would make a difference. There was no difference at all in left or right. This was with a 50 cal. 65gr of Goex .490 and .015 at 50 yards using a sand bagged rest front and rear.
Doc,

 

[EN]

Thanks folks for the info. This situation came up in a conversation when "shots go wild". I am amazed at how much stuff we read in black powder manuals and loading procedure that may not be totally true as Doc pointed out. One video I saw had the guy put the sprue off center with no ill effects as to accuracy. I wonder how many other things are taken for gospel that might be "off center".

 

[user 31296]

Might not be related but what if you don't have the spure centred on loading how much will this affect accuracy?

 

[EN]

Might not be related but what if you don't have the spure centred on loading how much will this affect accuracy?

This guy had a video in which he did just that and he experienced no loss in accuracy. I tried it at 25 yds. and had the same result. Now to try it at 50yds.

 

[Stony Broke]

Some molds will leave a little higher sprue than others, but it's probably a good idea to go ahead and leave the sprue facing forward. I have one mold that you can hardly see the sprue on the ball, but I still stick that portion of the ball forward.....takes very little effort and you know you have it right. A good snug fit on the patch, and you have no problem with it moving as you are seating the ball.

 

[The Crisco Kid]

I've heard that if you load the sprue down it never appears to be off center. It might help with the mental aspect of shooting.