Patch materals?

[Regulis7]

My gun seems to prefer a .017-.018 patch, the ticking I bought from wal mart after washing is .020-.021 and accuracy is not as good as with the thinner patch. Anything thinner than .017 shoots as bad as the .020 patches.

Anyone know of a good tight weave ticking patch material that washes out to around .017-.018, if so where do you get it from?

Local Wal Marts carry the blue stripe, red stripe and plain ticking but its all the same size.

Regulis7

 

I really doubt it's the ticking causing accuracy problems.
There isn't enough variance to cause serious diferences in accuracy from what you've described.
For fabric selection go to a fabrci store like Joann's Fabrics and take your micrometer with you.

 

[jrdavis]

after washing it what does it compress to? I would bet somewhat less than the .017/.018

 

[jtmattison]

I use the ticking from Wal-Mart and after washed it mic's .018 compressed.

Huntin

 

[Rebel]

Try some #40 Drill cloth from JoAnns's fabrics.

 

[musketman]

If all you can get is the .020 ticking, then go to a .003 to .005 smaller ball if possible, this will make up the difference for the thicker patch...

 

[roundball]

:master:

I admire the tenacity of those who go through all this just for some shooting patches...I never could reconcile all the bother...time searching for the right fabric, gasoline to go find it / buy it, electricty and detergent to wash it, electricty to dry it, cutting them, lubing them, etc...to say nothing of all the time involved and probability of inconsistency among patches.

For me, knowing OxYoke / TC would have better quality control consistency than I would, I decided that shooting patches would just be one of those items that would be a cost of shooting and get bags of precut, prelubed, .018" pillow ticking patches delivered to my mailbox instead. No fuss, no traffic, no parking, no gasoline, no pollution, etc, and after all is said and done I could never see enough cost difference to have a conversation about anyway...different strokes I guess.

However, I do use home cut cleaning patches out of cotton or flannel material the Chief-Of-Staff has left over from her quilting as thickness variations are not as important...

:m2c:

 

[Old Charlie]

I just checked two samples of wall-mart ticking bought at differant times. Useing the ratchet they miked .019 and .020. Compressed they both miked .016. It works fine in my guns.
Old Charlie

 

[buckknife]

If the ticklen aint what you want try denium,there are many different thickness to choze from.also different stich on sum of em.Problem is if you dont write down the exact number on the bolt of fabric you may have a hard time finen it again.
I always like the indingo denuim the best,just take the mic or calipar,thats all i have and measurewhat your looken for.

 

[Musketeer]

Try some #40 Drill cloth from JoAnns's fabrics.

I buy my ticking from JoAnn. I buy both the thicker "blue-stripe" and the thinner purdy flowery stuff :redface:. What the #$@& is #40 Drill cloth? :shocking:Is it cheaper than ticking? :thumbsup:

 

[Rebel]

It is another tight weave cloth. I think it is used for pocket lining in pants pockets. Just ask someone in the store, they will know what you mean. It works as well, in some guns better, for me than ticking.

 

[RussB]

My gun seems to prefer a .017-.018 patch, the ticking I bought from wal mart after washing is .020-.021 and accuracy is not as good as with the thinner patch. Anything thinner than .017 shoots as bad as the .020 patches.
Anyone know of a good tight weave ticking patch material that washes out to around .017-.018, if so where do you get it from?
Local Wal Marts carry the blue stripe, red stripe and plain ticking but its all the same size.
Regulis7

Your experience reflects my own to a "T". Only difference being I can't load anything thicker than 18 without using a hammer...and I don't want a smaller ball, although it is getting a lot of consideration.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. "All pillow ticking is NOT created equal", even from bolt to bolt, and you just can't tell until you've washed it.
So, if ya luck on to the right stuff, buy a lot of it!

Someone suggested once (Maxiball, I think) to NOT put it in a dryer, just hang it and let it dry, then iron it. I have found this can make a difference of .002 or more, and sometimes that's just enough to be a big difference.
:results:

Roundball has always suggested buying them for no other reason than "quality control"...he may be on to sumpin.

Here lately, I've been using long strips of a particular Muslin that seems about right, and cutting at the muzzle for my smoothie, (which is a .668 (16ga.) and shoots a .648 ball). This combination seems to work pretty good. At the same time, I've found nothing, after looking for several years, that beats a "store bought" for my .50 Penn Hunter.(I can use the same type patch in my .54 and .58, and I bought 4yds of the stuff years ago...4yds is a bunch!)
I do wish you luck in your search, I'm sure it's there, it just takes a lot of looking.
Respectfully, Russ

 

[brushbuster]

why wash it at all? just curious ! :hmm:

 

[PaulN/KS]

You're supposed to wash it in order to get the stuff called 'sizeing"(?) out of the material.It's something left from the manufacturing process.

 

[RussB]

You're supposed to wash it in order to get the stuff called 'sizeing"(?) out of the material.It's something left from the manufacturing process.

Paul...That "sizing" is a kind of starch...I'm told.

Mr. Webster seez;
size: any of various glutinous materials (as a preperation of glue, flour, varnish, or resin) used for filling the pores in surfaces of paper, textiles, leather, or plastics. as well as applying color or metal leaf (as in book edges or covers).

I'm also told it's purpose is for the "looks" or presentation of the fabric, nothing more.... IOW, To make the fabric handle and look better to the consumer.

Another, often overlooked reason for washing, is because if you don't, it does NOT take to the lube evenly, as the pores of the fabric are filled with this sizing material.
Also, it will "swell" when allowed to sit after being lubed,.... the lube starts to break down the sizing and penetrates the fabric causing it to swell...This of course can be benefical....to a certain point.
At the same time it can affect the POI if every round is not fired at roughly the same length of time after being loaded....IMHO, this part is splitting some mighty fine hairs, but none the less, it does seem possible...maybe?

I can not say for sure if any of this is fact. I have been told this for several years now, and since it makes at least some sense, I have followed the rule of washing the material before cutting and lubeing.
I have seen as much as .004 / .006 difference, (and on at least one occasion)as much as .010, in material that was measured before and after washing.

Keep in mind, a lot of this "information" comes from the old farts that hang out at the range. I'm sure ya know the kind...the ones who use the estrous of the female flea in that magic concoction of lube that wins every match...the same fellows who know who shot President Kennedy... I'm sure you've seen 'em around, they seem to be everywhere....
Respectfully, Russ