help with patches

[TeutonicHeathen]

I will be getting my new 54 caliber muzzleloader today. I went and bought some pillow tickibg yesterday from cabelas to try and cut my own patches for the first time. I want to cut them atthe muzzle. I keep reading to take a pillow ticking strip and put a ball on top of it and push it slightly below the muzzle then cut it. After I cut it how do you spit lubricate the patch? I am totally a newb when it comes to cutting my own patches but it is something I really want to learn. Any advice? I need to learn how to cut and moisten patches at muzzle and how to cut patches for wiping between shots and what to use on the wiping patches. I intend on using spit for target shooting but want something else that will stay moist for deer hunting. I read the mink oil is good. Help me please!!

 

[Ranger1759]

I cut at the muzzle and my process is as followed: pour powder into measure, dump down barrel, I have my ticking strip tied to one of my straps, grab strip, place end in mouth as I reach in my shot bag and get a ball out, take end out, now all nice and wet place over the muzzle, center ball sprue up, thumb start down muzzle, cut with patch knife, use short started to seat, ram rod to pull it home......

Repeat after shot.....I have found that a system in place has kept me from dry balling for several years....I do it the same way every time I load...

 

[capt_turk]

I use the same method. Put the end of the strip in my mouth as I'm measuring and pouring the powder.

 

[TeutonicHeathen]

Thanks all that makes sense. I bought bulk pillow ticking from cabelas. Do you guys cut the ticking in smaller strips? Aldo for deer hunting what lube do you use?

 

[Ranger1759]

Yea, I cut it down in to about one inch strips for my .50.... You might have to go a little wider, but not much for the .54....it's something you will have to experiment with, as for hunting, I use the same method, and haven't found any problems even in cold weather...we shoot all winter at my club, and also haven't encountered any problems loading and shooting...

 

[Snakebite]

I use mink oil all the time. I just want to practice like I'm going to hunt, but that's just me. I buy pillow ticking from Wal Mart, wash it a couple of times to make sure the sizing is all out. Then I tear it into strips (a couple of inches wide)and take the mink oil (it's in a paste, I get it from TOW) and just work it into the material. I get it to where it's not drippingly saturated, but it's not dry either. You can experiment with it. I store the strips rolled up in an old metal bandaide box.

I have used the spit method, but the mink oil just seems a little slicker for me. I think, and it's only my opinion, but I think the fouling stays a little bit softer using mink oil. I do use a spit patch when I load, I'm using a range rod with a cleaning jag so I semi clean the bore as I load.

Just remember, there are a lot of different ways to get the results you want, try different ones and use the one that works for you.

:thumbsup:

 

[stinkyfeet]

Yeah one inch or so strips make load time faster and you can tie the strips of to your kit and not look like a weeinie carrying around a yard of pillow ticking.

 

[hanshi]

The red tastes better than the blue :grin: .

 

[stinkyfeet]

I agree I like red better as well I just pretend its a peppermint candy.

 

[Snakebite]

Yea but the red turns PINK after you wash it.

No girly man here! :haha:

 

[stinkyfeet]

Shoot snakebite I use my wifes thongs for patching the silk is very smooth gives ya another 30 yards of accuracy problem is they so small you only get a few shots per pair. :blah: :grin:
When I use my drawers the range smells to bad to shoot accurately.

 

[cynthialee]

I thought it was an extra 40 yards from a silk patch?
:wink:

 

[George T.]

I do as they say but if you are using spit holding them in your mouth works. Just let me assure you that moose milk tastes BAD! Geo. T.

 

[Ole Frog]

I thought it was an extra 40 yards from a silk patch?
:wink:

Lets at least try to be accurate here
That was 40 yards and 6.73733333 inches
:blah:

 

[Snakebite]

Shoot snakebite I use my wifes thongs for patching the silk is very smooth gives ya another 30 yards of accuracy problem is they so small you only get a few shots per pair. :blah: :grin:
When I use my drawers the range smells to bad to shoot accurately.

If using spit, I won't comment on the silk, but with your drawers, I'm not sure I know HOW to comment on that. If you're infantry, well, I can take that into consideration. If you're a tanker, that's just wrong.

 

[stinkyfeet]

Cav scout (recon)

 

[Snakebite]

One step up from grunt, one step down from DAT. :grin: (I was a tank PSG in Div Cav, 2AD & 4ID at Ft. Hood)

 

[Steyr]

Is it Necessary to wash the sizing out of new ticking??

 

[HardBall]

Is it Necessary to wash the sizing out of new ticking??

I've used it with and without being washed. Personally I don't like the taste of sizing so I wash my fabric first.

 

[Billnpatti]

I agree with Ranger on how to lube a patching strip with spit. I have done it that way and I have used precut patches that I wet by holding one in my mouth as I load. It should be just damp not dripping slobbers.

I don't know what Cabela's gets for their pillow ticking but I highly suspect that it is considerably more than you would pay for the exact same stuff at a fabric shop in Wal-Mart or at Jo-Ann's Fabrics. Another material that is good for patching is called "pocket drill" in some places. In other places, you will need to ask for cotton drill.

For an excellent source of information on selecting the best patch material and for wringing the last bit of accuracy from your rifle, go to www.blackpowderrifleaccuracy.com and order a copy of Dutch's accuracy system. Dutch has spent many years developing what is unquestionably the best method for achieving maximum accuracy from your rifle. Buy it. Read it and do exactly what he tells you. You will be amazed by your rifle's accuracy after doing what he tells you.