Ok, tried thinner patch materials normally use .445" ball and .020" patch, for a .465" patch/ball combo. When I do my part, get 1.5" groups at 50yds. Decided 2.5" at 50yds would be acceptable accuracy sacrifice for easier loading. First went to .017" patch for .462" combo with little detectable difference in accuracy or ease of loading. Next tried. 014" patch for .459" combo. Groups went to 2.5", and loading was noticeably easier. Next, went to .440" balls, and .014" patch for .454" combo could seat the ball whith light thumb pressure, but groups opened up to 5". Went to .017" patch for a .457" combo, had to use light pressure on a short starter to seat the ball, but group size was back under 3", next tried. 020" patch for .460" combo, group size was good, but much harder to seat the ball. So, it looks like .457" - .459" is going to be the best compromise.
Reduced the contents of my bag to this:
View attachment 357229
Ordered brass and a nylon replacement rods.