Patch thickness measuring question

[coloradoclyde]

One thing I would add, that I don't think anyone has mentioned yet......

In the manufacture of all things, there is an acceptable range of measurable tolerance set by the manufacture.

Nothing is exact.

Some standards are set by industry or governing agencies, they can be minimums, maximums, or ranges.
Many products have no standards and many have "knock offs" or copies that allow for a wide range of measurements in what appears to be an identical product.

 

[Billnpatti]

Yep, Clyde, I'm going to have to give you a big thumbs up :thumbsup: on that statement. You are absolutely right. There is no comparison of the accuracy between a Starett micrometer and some Ebay Chinese knock off. I have never used a Chinese knock off micrometer but it may be possible to get reproducible results even though they may not be absolutely correct. I don't know and I probably never will because all of my micrometers are made by Starett and that is all I use. Did I spell Starett correctly? :idunno:

 

[coloradoclyde]

Did I spell Starett correctly?

2r's and 2 t's (Starrett) :haha:
Opps I meant 3 t's

 

[Dr5x]

To my dismay, Most folk think my System is about wiping between shots, Patchlubrication and being consistent.
Quite a few are pleased with it yet ignore the primary discovery I stumbles over. Patch selection and how to measure fabrics for precise or nearly precise thickness.
The other things are important but I would have written nothing had it not been for the amazing effect of correct patching.

Dutch

 

[Maven]

"...but I would have written nothing had it not been for the amazing effect of correct patching." ...Dutch Schoultz

Very very true! I purchased a new Green Mt. .50cal. T/C Hawken drop in bbl. years ago, but couldn't get it to shoot. Dutch's system worked after a fashion, but it wasn't until he suggested trying a thicker patch than I typically used in my T/C bbl. that things markedly improved. Dutch is right, correct patching really does have an amazing effect!

 

[M. De Land]

I like to use a one inch mic with a friction drive.
The patch will be under compression when on the ball and pushed down the bore so it would seem to follow that it should also be selected from a consistent compression measurement.
A tight weave is very important as well.
I have found nothing better after shooting a lot of different cloth patch types than the close weave cotton felt in my work shirts from Field and Stream brand I buy at Costco.
Pillow ticking or denim is not even close in my opinion and I also prefer this cotton felt cloth for cleaning patches to all other.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Does make you wonder how some guy in the woods two days walk from town and the dry goods store ever managed to shoot his rifle.

 

[coloradoclyde]

I used the inner bark from a poplar tree once for patching and never missed a target....Of course I had to mic it to .015 and apply Dutch's method of lube first.... :rotf:

 

[M. De Land]

If one is satisfied with simplicity so be it but to do less when I know how to do better doesn't work for me.

 

[coloradoclyde]

Just illustrating the incredible versatility and variability of muzzleloaders and their owners.... :grin:

 

[Billnpatti]

2r's and 2 t's (Starrett) :haha:
Opps I meant 3 t's

Thankee kindly, Clyde :hatsoff:

 

[Dr5x]

How did the guy in the forest, two days from town get his black powder, lead and other expendable supplies?

Had a friend years ago who was great believer in wasp nests
material for things like patching, and wads etc.
Harvested a huge wasp nest he found in the woods in the winter and brought it inside for a backup supply.
As the nest warmed up so did the wasps who came out and took over.

Made his life interesting.

Dutch

 

[Stumpkiller]

I have one in the cellar, separated and de-wasped. Wasps' nest does work very well for wadding in smoothbores but I've never tried patching balls with it.