Patch Size

[Pigman]

Can a patch be too big?

I recently purchased a 45 cal rifle for my son and am wondering if I can use the patches I already have cut for my 69 and 75?

Thanks,
Foster

 

[roundball]

Can a patch be too big?

I recently purchased a 45 cal rifle for my son and am wondering if I can use the patches I already have cut for my 69 and 75?

Thanks,
Foster

IMO, I don't believe oversized patches are a problem...I intentionally use the next larger caliber size patches just so I don't have to be too precise about centering a ball...ie: .50 in a .45, etc.

I even experimented with a huge 2.5" TC lubed Cleaning & Seasoning patch folding the sticky excess material back & forth over the ball and seated it down that way...shot perfectly, fluttered down to the ground like a parachute a few feet in front of the muzzle.

I believe the rifling spin rotation flares a patch out immediately upon muzzle exit, and then the several hundred mph wind blast separates it back off the ball quickly.

Having said all that, from an economical viewpoint, wonder if a .75cal patch cut in half would leave two halves big enough to work for a .45...doesn't matter if they're not perfectly square as long as material comes well up around the circumference of the ball...each might be a tad too small to do that though, dunno

 

[spottedpony]

Can a patch be too big?

I recently purchased a 45 cal rifle for my son and am wondering if I can use the patches I already have cut for my 69 and 75?

Thanks,
Foster

I use the same sized patch in a 45 and a 50 and it seems to work ok. the only issue ive found, i had to make a short starter with a smaller diameter rod because the patch would bunch up around the larger starter rod. but then i was using a 7/16 diameter for short starting both. i shoot tight ball patch combinations in both (.445/.018 in the 45, and .495/.018 in the 50) and thats tight enough i cant thumb start easily.when i'd seat the ball with the short rod on the starter it would tend to grab a little, though no problems with the 4 inch rod on the starter.
Since i make my short starters it was an easy fix though, i just whipped one up with a 3/8 nub to start the ball and a 7/16 4 inch starter to get the prb started down the barrel.

 

[Will Bison]

I and a friend shot some video at 5,000 frames per second of the ball and patch exiting the muzzle.

That patch peels back flat on the muzzle releasing the ball. When the ball exits the flame and smoke obscure the picture but just as the ball gets to the muzzle it's easy to see it has no effect on the ball.

We did three tests, patches cut at the muzzle, round patches with the ball centered and square cut patches. They all do the same thing, flatten out on the muzzle as they release the ball.

We shot three rounds with each type of patch off rest. Same results. Group sizes were too close to call a winner.

I cut at the muzzle because it's just easier for me. I can't discern any difference in accuracy.

 

[bob1961]

I and a friend shot some video at 5,000 frames per second of the ball and patch exiting the muzzle.

is there a way we can see that :hatsoff: :v .............bob

 

[Tumblernotch]

If you cut them at the muzzle it won't matter. Only thing is, you have to be careful not to cut the fingers holding the part you're cutting off.
:thumbsup:

 

[Bill Hall]

Interesting experiment Will. It makes clear (to me anyway) something I've suspected all along, the shape and size of the patch does not affect accuracy. Can't argue with visual proof, though I'm sure some of us still will. Oh well, I guess that's what makes us such interesting characters. Thanks for sharing. Bill