Did I buy the right jag?

[CitadelGrad08]

Hello all!

I am a novice when it comes to flintlocks. I saved up and bought a TVM Tulle in .62 caliber for my first blackpowder gun. I have yet to fire it because I am making sure I have all the proper accoutrements for proper cleaning and maintenance. My only experiences firing smoothbores is through a local state park where I volunteer to do flintlock and matchlock presentations for the guests.

My questions is this: Is a .62 caliber sized jag the proper one I should use for cleaning and loading or do I need to order a size or two down like a .58?

I already used my .62 jag for an initial cleaning and it worked well, I just want to make sure I don't accidentally get my ramrod stuck sometime down the road.

I have a lot to learn, hoping you all can help.

Cheers!

 

[ncmtmike]

62 for a 62,,never had a mis-que :wink:

 

[CitadelGrad08]

Thank you sir!

 

[bpd303]

If you are shooting patched round ball, just make sure the patches aren't being caught by the jag when loading. I just fold over any excess patch material and ram the ball home. If the jag catches the patch it could pull the ball off the powder charge. I've never had a problem just have to remember to fold over the patch. You should be good to go.

 

[Zonie]

You mentioned you had already tried your new jag for doing the initial cleaning and it worked so you must have the right sized jag.

That is not to say it won't ever get stuck though if you push a almost dry cleaning patch down a fouled bore.
That can happen to the best of us.

If it happens to you, just pour a teaspoon or so of water or very thin patch lube down the bore and, holding the gun, muzzle up, give the water some time to soak in.
Then, the jag and patch can easily be pulled out of the gun.

 

[Rifleman1776]

If your jag seems too large or tight for your gun (not all calibers are created equal), just chuck up the jag in a drill and turn down slightly by holding a file against it. Just remove a little and repeat the process if you need to. I have done this many times.

 

[CitadelGrad08]

Thank you all for the advice, I figured I had the right jag but was worried about patch thickness when cleaning. I ran a few patches through yesterday and didn't have any issues.