Cleaning patch thickness

[Rifleman1776]

Like others I have tried old blankets, shirts, etc. In the past military surplus patches were the rage but I never liked because they didn't like to absorb water. For years now I make my own from baby blanket flannel bought at Wal-Mart. Color not important. If some is on sale that is what I get. I have an antique pair of tailor scissors that I use to cut into (aproximately) 2" squares. Size not critical. Just use a proper jag with a rebate.

 

[Scota4570]

I use the square GI type from Track.
https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/563/1

The trouble with cutting them yourself is that they are not very consistent. Sometimes too tight and others they might fall of the jag in the bore. I use the patches linked above and in two sizes, one for the small bores and one for the larger bores. I make or modify my jags until I like the fit with my standard patches. I the long run is saves a ton of messing around.

 

[meanmike8665]

FYI, when I am prepping shooting stuff I am thinking about the fun I am going to have. I share my hobby with my wife and kids. My son in law and I make a ritual out of cleaning the guns when done shooting. My point is cleaning patches should mot be the cheapest thing you use.
Michael

 

[meanmike8665]

Just remember you get exactly what you pay for.
Michael

 

[coloradoclyde]

A wise man knows quality...
A fool and his money are soon parted...

What you say makes sense but only on the most basic level.

Can you give me the minimum requirements for cleaning patches? or tell me why T-shirts don't measure up?... :hmm:

 

[meanmike8665]

My opinion is the loose weave of t shirts does not hold the cleaning solution very well and then only picks up the powder residue on the lands. CC, when shoot I am not hunting, I might shoot twenty or thirty shots in my session. My bores need to be the same every shoot. My guns simply won't load with out cleaning between shots. BTW, One wet both sides and one dry both sides. On a good day of shooting with at home cleaning I might use 75 cleaning patches. My two favorite rifles shoot .495 ball and twenty thousandths teflon patch.


Michael

 

[meanmike8665]

Sorry did not answer part of the question. I think 100 percent cotton diaper flannel, I have bought so much of it I now buy it by feel. If you need a measurement I can do that let me know.
I shop in Nov at Joanne's and look for the 50 percent coupon and buy at least 10 yards.

Michael

 

[coloradoclyde]

Well, my T-shirt are pretty thick....And Ive never had a problem getting the gun clean....even in the grooves....And I've never used 75 patches in one day....More like 7.5... :haha:

Maybe it's the Teflon that is so hard to clean... :idunno:
If it works for you, stick with it...There's nothing wrong with buying bulk material....That's way cheaper than paying someone to cut and package them.... :v

 

[Rifleman1776]

I use the square GI type from Track.
https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/563/1

The trouble with cutting them yourself is that they are not very consistent. Sometimes too tight and others they might fall of the jag in the bore. I use the patches linked above and in two sizes, one for the small bores and one for the larger bores. I make or modify my jags until I like the fit with my standard patches. I the long run is saves a ton of messing around.

You are definitely going in the right direction. With a proper jag even a small patch will work OK. A patch would have to be very-very large to cause problems. Doing yer own thang impresses me. That is a big part of what this game is all about. Think like a mountain man and do wat you need to do to get by.

 

[coloradoclyde]

With my jag I can use patches from 1/2" square out to about 2" square....Even larger if I offset it.....? I think the wrong jag is what causes most peoples problems....If you want precision use a seamstresses cutting mat and a rotary fabric cutter....

I often go afield with just a hunk of old T-shirt and a knife......No problems, and it works for me....people do have different skill levels.

 

[Rifleman1776]

CC, ye nailed it. Jag size is something newbies just don't think about. However, once an oversize jag is identified as a problem source, it is easily corrected. I put in the chuck of my drill press and turn down with a flat file the, using a small angle file restore the angle cuts in the side to keep the grip for pulling back out. Takes about a minute to do. Only precaution is, with brass threads, do not tighten the chuck hard enough to damage the threads.

 

[azmntman]

Why not screw into a broken piece of ramrod and whittle down the ramrod end to fit the chuck so ya dont screw up the threads? I have piece I saved for this but have yet to do it. Will start though, need to good fitting swabbing jags for the dutch system! All mne seem great for cleaning and tight for swabbing, I believe I have been jammin crud in the breach :redface: :shake: :nono:

 

[dledinger]

I have to have jags specific to individual rifles. My TC barrel, for instance, is much tighter than Lyman rifles. I'm guilty of swabbing bores dry sometimes to ensure no rust has developed in the days following a cleaning (not truly "dry", but without additional lubricant on the patch). If I use my Lyman 50 cal Jag in my TC 50 cal it is prone to sticking.

 

[Scota4570]

Modify the jags as described above. Put the matching one in the patchbox of it's rifle.

 

[coloradoclyde]

I do mine on a belt sander.....Takes about 1 second.... :haha:

 

[meanmike8665]

Same here, except I use a cordless drill. I have fixed many a shoot.

Michael

 

[Rifleman1776]

Why not screw into a broken piece of ramrod and whittle down the ramrod end to fit the chuck so ya dont screw up the threads?

'cause I'm not smart enuf to think of that. :wink: :redface:
But, it probably will not spin true. Jest a thought. :hmm:

 

[Grenadier1758]

Run the drill in reverse or you will will back the jag out of the ramrod tip. And filing in reverse will tighten the jag on the tip so you need something to grip the jag to loosen it when you are done.