Patches

[deerstalker07]

I got some 50 caliber patches pre lubed w/ borebutter, but I was wondering if I could use em with my 54 cal, the .530 ball fits indide of the patch pretty good, but I didn't know how much, if any of a difference it would make from using a 50 cal sized patch on a 54.
Thanks....

 

[tx50cal]

I had the same question a while back. I called T/C and they told me not to use the 50 in a 54. If ithe ball was not perfectly centered the ball could contact the rifleing. Hope this helps.
Rob

 

[roundball]

I got some 50 caliber patches pre lubed w/ borebutter, but I was wondering if I could use em with my 54 cal, the .530 ball fits indide of the patch pretty good, but I didn't know how much, if any of a difference it would make from using a 50 cal sized patch on a 54.
Thanks....

Depending on the size of the patch it could be fine...ie: if it's a generic size for the .50-.59 caliber range. But if it's made specifically for .45/.50cal as some of TC's are for example, it may well be too small.

A patch needs to be big enough to keep the ball centered while starting it into the muzzle, and be big enough to ensure material comes easily up past the circumference of the ball all the way around it as it sits inside the bore.

A good rule of thumb is to always err on the side of being larger than needed, not smaller...larger than needed won't cause any problems, but smaller than required will.

 

[CoyoteJoe]

I'm sure those patches will work just fine, You'll just have to be extra careful to get the ball CENTERED in the patch. I usually cut my patches on the muzzle and when I pick them up I find my .50 cal patches are smaller than the precut sold for .40 cal!
I know someone will say they like extra large precuts so they don't have to be so careful to get it centered but I think one should be a bit "particular" about centering anyhow. :grin:

 

[roundball]

I know someone will say they like extra large precuts so they don't have to be so careful to get it centered but I think one should be a bit "particular" about centering anyhow. :grin:

I'm one who likes to use the next caliber size patch for easier loading...I'm also one who is dilligent in centering a ball in a patch, regardless of it's size, mainly because it just "seems like" the right thing to do.

But to be clear, in purely practical terms, as long as there is patch material well up past the circumference of a ball all the way around it, it makes absolutely no difference whatsoever if it's not precisely centered.
:thumbsup:

 

[Catof9tails]

What I use for my 54 Hawken is CVA Cotton Shooting Patches that come pre-cut and rated for 50 - 58 Caliber. Don't have much trouble centering the 54 ball on the patch. The patches come plain at 100 count per package. I use T/C Natural Lube 1000 Pine Scent Bore Butter on the patches. But have only seen these patches in .015 thickness.

Like Roundball said, just get the ball seated good where ya see patch all around the ball.

Cat

 

[JOHN L. HINNANT]

Greeting Deerstalker07,

I assume you are using commercil pre-cut, pre-lubed patches. Have you given any thought to purchasing bulk fabric from a fabric shop, preparing it to your requirement, pre-lube and all?

This a subject that has been addressed in countless posting on this forum. Probably, any question you can ask about this subject has already been asked twice and answered ten times.

There is a wealth of information here about patch material and patch lubricants. You might find these posting informative and interesting.

Best regards and good shooting,

John L. Hinnant

If you are not an NRA Member, why not? I am carrying your load.

 

[deerstalker07]

What kind of material, I would love to jump on the band wagon for making my own. I have bore butter for lube already, I really just picked the precuts out for my friend, but I was seeing if I could shoot those. When you cut your own patches, do you still cut them in a circle, or a square?
Thanks...Travis

 

[deerstalker07]

45/.50cal as some of TC's are for example, it may well be too small.

that is what these are, but they seem to cover the ball pretty good.

 

[JOHN L. HINNANT]

Greetings Deerstalker07,

I just did a search on patches on this forum. There are 500 postings on just this subject.

Mouse click on the search button at the top of this page, and you will have your answers at your finger-tips.

What is that old saying, "Seek and Ye shall find".

Best regards.

John L. Hinnant

If you are not an NRA Member, why not? I am carrying your load.

 

[Rebel]

Just go to Wal Mart or Jo Anns fabrics and get some blue and white stripe or red and white stripe Pillow ticking.

 

[Greenmtnboy]

I am gonna have to agree with the yotie and John on this one! Last year I was building a ball starter for my 45 ball hucker. I thought I got it perfect and went to the range, but to my dismay my groups went to uggggg 2" at 50yrds couldent figure it out. finally at closer inspection I relized I was seating my ball just a little to deep so when I cut my patches at the barrel I had 50cal size patches that covered to much of my ball. With a little help from CoyotieJoes Drill press we trimed down my starter and lo and behold my 45 was back to grouping half inch at 50yrds.
I my short experance I have found to much patch = poor shootin' :hatsoff: