Patch problem in 4 bore

[wbyman]

When I shoot my smoothbore 4 bore with 150 to 400 grains of 777 the pillow ticking come out shredded and burned. I shoot a 6 oz. slug and double pillow ticking patches. Any ideas to prevent this ? thanks

 

[BillinOregon]

Wbyman, try putting a small wad of hornet nest down first before seating your patched ball. Another solution would be to see of Circle Fly or some such supplier makes a wad for this bore size. Do you feel that the threaded patches are related to accuracy issues? Is the bore glass-smooth?

 

[jtmattison]

777 is a very hot burning substitute. Many people have burnt patches when using it. 150 to 400 grains of powder is an incredible amount. It is recommended you lower your charge by about 15% to equal that of black powder. I say try a wad, a thick one. Good luck, your more of a man than I am shooting that big bugger.

Huntin

 

[musketman]

I shoot a 6 oz. slug and double pillow ticking patches. Any ideas to prevent this ? thanks

Try something like foil between the two patches, to work as a heat shield...

Or use a heavy paste lube between the two lubed patches (like a sandwitch) and/or a heavy cardboard disk between the powder and ball...

 

[Stumpkiller]

Use a thicker patch. Pillow ticking with a 4 bore is like using Kleenex with a .50

Wrap that shot put in lubed canvas.

 

[Rebel]

You might try a leather patch too.

 

[lmucheer]

WBYMAN,
I have been doing research on a 4 bore double barrel percussion muzzleloader that I have. I,m not sure if this is relevent in your case but I was told by an expert that my gun was meant to use a full load 330 grains of black powder with 3.5 ozs. of shot. I think this was decided by the proof marks on the gun which are Birmingham Proof House in England.I hope this helps.

I am having a hard time getting someone to appraise my gun .Do you have any idea of the value of 4 bores and where to find a qualified appraiser? Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,
lmucheer

 

[wbyman]

IMUCHEER,

I have no idea who would be a qualified apprasier.

Sorry I could not help.
Wbyman

 

[44-henry]

I would definitely use a cushion wad underneath the ball, perhaps even two.

 

[Wes/Tex]

Try Rebel's idea of leather patches. Have had good luck using them before. In smaller bores, chamois works great but you might try thicker leather. Leather compresses to a greater extent than cloth and you can pull the leather out a bit as you lube them. best part is they don't blow through like thinner cloth patches. Many fired patches can be picked up and reused...and, they don't smoulder on the ground. :front: