Distance Patches Travel from Smoothbores

[Spikebuck]

Is it common that patches will remain with the ball further with a smoothbore than a rifle? On all my rifles I usually find the patches within 10 yards. I was working on loads for my smoothbore today and the patches were 15 to even 20 yards away. I was wondering if the spin on the rifle-shot ball throws the patch off while the non-spun ball doesn't. The only difference in the patches is I was using .018 ticking with the smoothbore vs .015 (not sure material)with the rifles, but I wouldn't think the thickness would make that much difference. Lube is mink oil. Any ideas? Not sure if it matters but I would think that the longer the patch stays with the ball the more it may adversely affect flight and accuracy.

 

[Britsmoothy]

I notice the wind from behind can make a huge difference! Most mine are less than 20'.

Brits.

 

[Grandpa Ron]

Most of my Smoothbore patches come in at 15 to 20 feet or so.

They land very close to each other most of the time.

 

[crowfluffer]

I find 15 yards or a little more to be common for my load of 85 grains of FFFg with a .020 patch and .595 ball. This does seem to vary with the wind as noted in previous posts. I have never had a patch land any closer than this. I use square cut patches measuring 1-1/2" and I wonder if the distance the patch travels may vary if you use "cut at the muzzle" or round patches. Has anyone checked this out just for giggles?

 

[Grizzled Roberts]

My smoothbore patches are right in line with your averages. It is rare but I do find them a little way out past that. I never find them in a pattern.