Loading (patching)

[Splais]

I need some input on patching. I'm trying to decide what I want to do. Use pre-cut and lubed round patches or cut my patches from bulk cloth at the barrel.

(1) The 36 cal patches I have right now impregnated with Wonder Lube are suppose to be for 30-39 cal; but they 'seem' to small, being about the exact diameter of the BARREL - but it's a pain to get them perfectly centered.

(2) If I decide I want to cut patches at the barrel - what is the general practice. cut them out of long strips of cloth or precut something like 2" strips to seat and trim.

(3) If I am cutting patches from bulk cloth what are the ways to properly lube them. Currently I am trying a method suggested to me using a 50-50 mix of water and Murphy's Oil soap. It seems to be working real well; but I'm still trying to get the dampness right.

 

[Zonie]

"...suppose to be for 30-39 cal; but they 'seem' to small, being about the exact diameter of the bore "
--------
Did I read that right? They are the same diameter as the bore, or did you mean they are the same diameter as the outside of the barrel?

You also didn't say what the caliber of your gun is. I'm assuming it is a .36?

Most folks who cut their patches at the muzzle make a strip of cloth that is slightly wider than the outside of the barrel and several feet long.
After starting the ball into the muzzle so that the top of it is flush with the muzzle or just slightly below the muzzle they cut off the excess material with a very sharp knife.

Many pre-lube their strip of material and others just apply the lube to the barrel side of the patching material just before they start the ball into the barrel.

The 50-50 mix will probably work ok but if it were me I would add some Castor or Olive oil to protect the bare metal from rust.
Better yet, I would use Stumpkillers Moose Juice which is nearly the same thing.

 

[Splais]

BARREL AND YES 36 cal

 

[Zonie]

That's what I thought.

If your using pre cut round patches they don't have to be exactly centered with the bore.

As long as the patch is visible on all sides of the ball before the ball is started into the muzzle it will do its job and tests have shown that the off center patch won't effect the accuracy at all.

Same can be said for square patches. The shape doesn't seem to effect the accuracy as long as the area where the ball meets the bore is totally covered with material.

 

[redwing]

The 50/50 MOS and alcohol is used for cleaning the gun when you are done shooting. It will work OK for patch lube maybe? You may however want to try a different product for patch lube.
Try Zonie's idea or run over to that big gun shop on the east side of Yuma Sprague's Sporting Goods They have a number of lubes try Hoppe's Black Powder Plus. :thumbsup:

 

[Splais]

That 50/50 MOS mix is not alcohol, it's water. I know a lot of people use alcohol, but I'm giving it a try because a gentlemen who knows, has been using it for years with excellent results; but I'm new and will try a lot of things before I'm done.

 

[MikeChapin]

A lot of people like the MOS mixture and others prefer Hoppe's. I have been using spit at the range and competition for about thirty years. Works great and I have a ready supply. Just make sure you wash your patching if you buy it in bulk. Sizing tastes nasty.

 

[bwhoffman]

but I'm new and will try a lot of things before I'm done.

Those are some of the most true words one must realize!
Most of us have been there and done that!

 

[Bill Bryan]

I can tell you what I do and it seems to work OK for me. I cut strips of pillow ticking from Walmart into approximately 2 inch X 12 inch pieces. I like keeping the weave of the cloth at the same angle consistant with every shot. I then moisten the patch with a combination of 1 part Balistol and 7 parts water. I use a small container I got from a drugest the dispenses a small amount liquid when you press down. I then set the bullet with my starter and mallet. finally I cut the patch with my good old boy scout knife.

 

[poordevil]

Don't use spit with such a small bore. I guess some have good luck with it, it does not leave the bore wet or slippery or the black powder fouling soft enough to work well. You very well could experance stuck or broken ramrod.

I make precut patches by sitting happily in my chair and wrap a ball in pillow ticking and cut it with sizzors. Now I have a patch of the right size. Then I just lay the "pattern" patch on a stack of pillow ticking and cut around! Bingo! Lots of cut patches.

Where abouts in Yuma are you?

P.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

I cut my material into strips 1/34 x 10-12 inches. Lube with whatever lube you want to use then I can center over the bore,place the ball onto it and short start then holding both sides of the strip pull up and cut across the muzzle. Works the same way on a loading block. You can carry extra lubed strips in a baggie or some type of container that will keep them clean and not messing up your shooting bag.

 

That 50/50 MOS mix is not alcohol, it's water. I know a lot of people use alcohol, but I'm giving it a try because a gentlemen who knows, has been using it for years with excellent results; but I'm new and will try a lot of things before I'm done.

Well said. you should try everything. my sense, for efficient shooting, is to precut patches oversize. makes it easy to center your RB, and wont affect accuracy in the least.
And try 409, or 'Fantastic' for a liquid lube some time. take a small tin (2"round?)and fill with your precut patches and then squirt it full with your LL. Now your ready!
:v

 

[MikeChapin]

Don't use spit with such a small bore. ...

I use spit clear down to a .32 and can shoot it all day without cleaning. The thing that makes it posible is using Balistol to protect the bore. Since I switched to that as a bore protector, about three years ago, I have not had a bore gunk up to where I could not get a ball down the barrel and I use rather thick patches and don't have to pound them down the barrel.

 

[Blizzard of '93]

I don't own a small bore but have always wanted a .36 or better a .32 for small game.
so I shoot my .50's useing patching made from well-worn 100% cotton tight weave material not as heavy as denim, very much like ticking.
I use Go-Jo white hand cleaner for lube. square pre-cut patches soaked with it and allowed to dry some and carried in a Altoids tin. haven't made any Snot to use but some here swear it's the best.
my loading block I carry hunting I use Crisco to lube the patches fairly greasy for easy and fast re-loads if needed, 5 ball block and carry it on a cord attached to my bag.

 

[Little Wattsy]

For convenience I prefer the precut/store-bought T/C pre-lubed patches. I DO buy one size larger then needed; IE I 'll get .54 patches for the .50