Dear Irish,
The point I am trying to make, it that there are cases when the ball Was patched, even going back to the early 1500's.
Also, if you are aware of Patrons, used for holding prepared ammunition, you will see that they were made to hold the ball and correct charge of powder. these date back to the early 1500's.
Sometimes, the paper cartridge was attached to the sprue of the ball, and at other times, the ball was enclosed in the cartridge, as we see in later military use, with say, the Brown Bess.
Again, my point is we must not generalize, because when we Do, something will rear it's head to prove us wrong!
See below, and remember, you are telling us here that these did not exist.
View attachment 38810View attachment 38811View attachment 38812
For further reading, and many photos, you can go tho this thread;
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=8540&highlight=Matchlock+ammunition
In the below engraving, you will clearly see a punch for cutting patches, amongst 16th C matchlock paraphernalia.
View attachment 38814
Best,
Richard.