Patching strips vs pre-cut

[Homesteader]

I'm sure these questions are making me look like a rank amateur (which I probably am, compared to many of you all), but I've got another for ya: I use pre-cut, pre-lubed patches with my .45 rock-lock rifle, but have just been using real spit-lubed pillow ticking strips with round ball in my .75 Bess. Just how much difference does it make that the patch knife cut strip isn't round or specifically sized for the musket? Should I invest in - or make - a sized patch cutter and get to work? I always wondered exactly what a patch knife was for until I started shooting the Bess (only a couple of weeks ago, btw.)

Is it more important with a rifle than a smoothbore?

As always, I appreciate the input. Fantastic resource here.

Bill (Homesteader)

 

[Swampman]

Accuracy will be fine with either. Square precuts made with scissors are the fastest, and IMO the best.

 

[Poor Boy]

Be careful with pre-cut patches, because if the patch slides even half off the ball it won't hit the target in the same place.And that's a fact.Caution for T/C rifle shooters with the QLA muzzle.Most of you know that's for a conical,more than a RB.............Olson

 

[Swampman]

If you make the patch big enough, this won't be a problem. Square homemade precuts are definately the way to go.

 

[Halftail]

Olsen,
Consistency is the way to gain good[url] accuracy.In[/url] short.....Find out what works and stick with it everytime.

 

[Old Charlie]

I started out cutting at the muzzle. Now I just use square patches. I can see no difference other than it is a lot easer.
Old Charlie

 

[Halftail]

Same Here old Charlie,
I see no difference.I think I got somewhere around 330 square cut patches out of a Half yard of Ticking.Pre-lubed them with my favorite lube and was good to go.

 

[Birddog6]

I have tried every patch shape I can imagine & can basically find no difference in them. I started with precut patches back in the 70's but soon started cutting my own. For the past several years I have been cutting them with a Rotary Cutter, mat & guide. Now I can cut 10,000 of the 1" patches in about 15 minutes...... In an hour you can cut more than
you will use in several years. It actually takes longer to get the equipment out & set up than to cut the patches ! Good investment for 2-3-4 guys if ya don't want to do it alone & you will pay for the cutter, mat, guide in the first bunch you all cut.

CAUTION: This rotary cutter takes no prisoners !! It will remove the tips of your fingers VERY promptly........ :shocked2:

 

Same Here old Charlie,
I see no difference.I think I got somewhere around 330 square cut patches out of a Half yard of Ticking.Pre-lubed them with my favorite lube and was good to go.

So I dont need to fumble with a patch knife and get the same accuracy?Cool.Ill try it. :thumbsup:

 

[Slowpoke]

There's always has to be someone in the crowd to be a little different..... so here I go. If you're bench shooter and accuracy is your main goal, cutting your patches at the muzzle is ideal because you're getting a constant and repeatable about of material around the ball. If you're shooting offhand, hunting, or just plinking around, square patches are fine and you'll never be able to tell the difference. I use square patches in my 50 caliber and above rifles and cut at the muzzle on cailbers below. Why? ever try to keep up with a 32 caliber square patches.
:rotf:

 

[riarcher]

Can you tell us just how much difference you see with cut @ muzzle vs. Sqr. or pre-cuts while bench shooting? and at what range does this become obviose?
Thanks.

 

[Swampman]

The patch isn't around the ball when it leaves the muzzle. Before that, the exact same amount of patch contacts the barrel and ball no matter the shape or size.

 

The patch isn't around the ball when it leaves the muzzle. Before that, the exact same amount of patch contacts the barrel and ball no matter the shape or size.

Im putting this on my to do list.If I can save some time out shooting that would be great. :thumbsup:

 

[Slake]

I'm reading all of this patch stuff I'm reading with very much interest. I'm still in school on this issue. I've used a little of this and a little of that but find myself buying prelubed round patches for when I'm wanting the best results. I shop for the best buy on them at shows or shoots

 

[Forster]

I have been cutting the square patch corners off kinda looks like an octogon, I find it's alot of extra work. I think I'll try a batch of square patches. I tried using lubed materal and a patch knife but I seemed to waste alot of lube...Jim

 

[410-er]

Sq.cut here.Just fold the ears over the ball gives extra protection when seating.Wish I did this years ago!

 

[Dave_B]

I have a round punch and have whacked out a bunch of patches but! Cutting square patches is a whole lot easier. I can't tell the two apart on the range - except the square ones look a lot more 'muzzleloaderie' to me.
Dave