patch inspection

[nodakhorseman]

I'd like to learn a bit more about what to look for when inspecting spent ball patches (retrieving after taking shot).

I have a general idea of what I'm looking for, but I'm not sure what to do if I see something bad/wrong. If I understand it correctly, the patch shouldn't be torn or burnt. In a perfect world, what should it look like?

If a thread like this already exists, would someone mind directing me towards it? I'm sure I'm bringing up an old topic that is new to me.

 

[jtmattison]

Here's one thread talking about it.

Your patches should almost look re-usable. There should be a dark spot right behind the ball from the powder burning, unless you use a felt wad. The edges should be slightly frayed but not much.

The patches in the thread I linked to are really bad.

Cuts are easy to see. If they are cut bad enough gasses will blow by and burn or destroy the patch.

Post some photos of your patches and we can tell you how they look.
HD

 

[mazo kid]

I just read some posts here (someplace, I can't seem to find the thread now) and it showed several pictures of how patches look after shooting and how they SHOULD look. Maybe someone will post that thread link here soon. Basically, what you should see is a brown area where the powder shoved the ball out the barrel, the edges might be frayed (that's OK as long as it isn't a lot) and NO burn thru or cuts anywhere else. Emery

 

[longcruise]

Roundball has some good pics. Where are you roundball?

 

[mazo kid]

Roundball has some good pics. Where are you roundball?

I found the thread.....http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/226321/