Burning patches in .32

[greysmoke]

Just recently my Traditions .32 Crockett has started totally burning patches - tried loads of FFF Pyrodex from 10grs to 25grs and it doesn't seem to matter. Using Borebutter on .015 pillow ticking and .015 pre-lubed Oxyoke with Hornady .310balls --doesn't matter. Also, not surprising, I can't get a consistent group. The helpful person at Tradition Arms told me this is fine and is just a sign that my powder is burning like it should -- I hung up. Any other thoughts about how to fix this?

 

[Lonegun1894]

I would say try different thickness or weave of patching, prefereably thicker/denser, and try some different lubes. Also, assuming it just started doing this and didn't do so before, is there any chance that you are using smaller diameter RBs than previously? Something must have changed, you just have to figure out what it is.

 

[buford87]

I can't say why your patches are burning, but you could add a felt overpowder wad before loading the patched round ball. This will protect your patch from the flame of the powder and protect the powder from too much lube. Wads are available from several sources, you can also cut your own from leather, felt, cork or anything similar. IMHO this helps to maintain consistancy with your loading.....................watch yer top knot.............

 

[greysmoke]

Thanks-- I did figure out that its been awhile since I shot this gun and I'm using patches that may have dried out a bunch. Will this pre-lube stuff dry out enough that it might casue this? I can start using hornet's nests or an over powder wad of some type but it just seems like a pain in the __ that I could avoid if I can find and fix the reason why this just started.

 

[George T.]

I second that something has changed. I would try more lube and give it time to wet the patch. If this is a tight combo you can still tery .018. It still seems strange. Geo. T.

 

[cynthialee]

old pre-lubed patches is the issue, I'd bet a dollar against a dime on that one

Reminds me I need to go pick up some new pre-lubed patches.

 

[M. De Land]

Could you post a picture or two of your patches after they have been shot.Perhaps they are tearing and then the frays are burned which could indicate a different cause, particularly if they have worked well in the past. I'd bet you have something going on in the bore and the patch isn't the cause at all. MD

 

[hanshi]

Buy pillow ticking (.015" to .018") and lube it yourself. Use an op wad; even wasp nest does well.

 

[mooman76]

I had burned patches when using BB but it didn't burn completely so it didn't bother me too much. I did notice in my little 32 I had to swab the barrel often or accuracy would fall off quick, common for such a small bore. Might try a different lube or even spit patch.

 

[hanshi]

Small bores do not foul any faster or any worse than large bores. The right lube can keep that barrel shooting straight for dozens of rounds. I can shoot my Crockett (and .36 SMR) accurately with easy loading using Hoppes BP lube. I believe you will be able to do so as well with spit patch. The most I ever wipe my bores, small or large, is on occasion maybe every 15 or 20 shots; normally not at all, however.

 

[Dean2]

X1
At the range, I use plain water as the lube on patches and I have never had to swab my .32. As to the patches burning, if the patch has anything synthetic in the mix or is really dry, it will burn. Add a little Hoppes 9, Neatsfoot oil or whatever to these old pre-lubes and see if they still burn. Let us know how you make out.

 

[ebiggs1]

Something has changed if this didn't happen the last time you shot the gun!
Patches need to be wetter more than dryer. You can put them in a baggie with a few drops of olive oil and re-lube them.
DO NOT make the mistake of going hog wild and experimenting with a bunch of things right off the bat like some are suggesting. :td:
Just shoot exactly the way you were and change one thing. Like wetter patches! :thumbsup:

 

[outbackzack]

Yes, pre lubed patches will dry out. Especially if you find them in the back of a shooting box 10 years later.

And they most definitely will burn through.

 

[greysmoke]

Ok - based on everyone's thoughts I have thoroughly scrubbed the bore- brass brush/solvent/patches/soap&water/more patches (and I did notice more rust on the patches than I expected to)then I re-lubed a stack of patches- as soon as it warms up a bit -9 degrees in MT right now- I will shoot and get back on this post with the results...Thanks

 

[dave weier]

I've been using denim for patch material for the past 35 years (26-28 thousandths thick) and have never had a problem with patches burning through.

 

[Mainehunt]

Buy pillow ticking (.015" to .018") and lube it yourself. Use an op wad; even wasp nest does well.

I use the gray paper hornets' nest and it works great.

Kev

 

[Jamie from Alberta]

Buy pillow ticking (.015" to .018") and lube it yourself. Use an op wad; even wasp nest does well.

I use the gray paper hornets' nest and it works great.

Kev

 

[hanshi]

It's nice to use for wadding. Oh, and the hornets make good lube for the bore. :grin: