Dbl patch .490 ball in 50 cal?

[Bigdaddykane]

Howdy, just now finally getting back in bp shootin' ? i have plethora of .490 hornadays, seem to loose loading, safe to dbl patch? Opinions from the floor, please

 

[SDSmlf]

Howdy, just now finally getting back in bp shootin' ? i have plethora of .490 hornadays, seem to loose loading, safe to dbl patch? Opinions from the floor, please

Depends on your patch thickness and actual bore diameter. Any idea as to what your bore diameter, rifling depth and patch thickness measure?

 

[Big Tom 52]

I'm fairly new to muzzle loading myself but I wouldn't double patch, I'd go with a thicker patch, I'm shooting a 50 cal and using a .020 pillow ticking patch lubed with Track of the wolf mink oil. You may also try a .495 round ball with the patch you're using now and see if it's a better fit

 

[morehops52]

Finding the correct thickness for a single patch would probably be a better solution. Then adjust your powder load in 5 gr increments to get your best groups. I don't shoot RB anymore so I'll let someone else suggest a starting.load.

 

[BoomStick]

Loose as it just drops on its own, or loose that you were expecting to pound it with a hammer? Snug and bit of pressure to seat the ball usually shoots fine...what I mean is it doesn't have to be hard to seat to work well.
What's the gun and what have you tried?

 

[Bigdaddykane]

As best i can figure with my dual caliper is .480 & .493 patch is pillow ticking . Not real confident in mesurements

 

[stubshaft]

You can double patch, but a thicker single patch would be ideal. Try some .024" denim or canvas.