Pre-cut patch vs Muzzle cut patch

[Boomerang]

For you target shooters out there. Do you find any difference in accuracy between using pre-cut square patches and cutting patches at the muzzle?

 

[BrownBear]

Notta target shooter, but pretty careful in my load development. Couldn't find a speck of difference, even as I prefer muzzlecutting in the field.

 

[ike]

I shoot a 32 cal Mule Ear ML. I have found that a patch larger than the Diameter of the barrel measured across the flats affects accuracy. In the winter I have found that moose snot also affects accuracy. I have access to bear lard and use that. I squeeze out as much extra fat form a pile of patches as I can with a pliers.
I know this is more info that you asked. I am just sharing my cold weather experience. I hope this helps someone.

 

[Rifleman1776]

a patch larger than the Diameter of the barrel measured across the flats affects accuracy.

That may be your experience. But there has been considerable testing, some of which I witnessed, that show no effect on accuracy. Quite a bit of extra cloth can be shoved over the ball with no change in ball performance. My personal experience supports that. As for cut vs. pre-cut or round vs. square, non issue. Do what you want to do.

 

[Boomerang]

Ya I tried it both ways in my GPR 54 and I couldn't tell any difference in accuracy myself. So if that is the case. If I pre-cut my patches before I shoot, then that is one less step I have to do in the loading process.

 

[necchi]

There's no difference in the resulting patch itself.
There may be a difference with the even distribution of lube depending on your lube and how you apply it.
Keep in mind that "cut at the muzzle" does not mean cut on the muzzle,, folks that use the technique seat the ball then usually gather and lift the fabric and cut just above the muzzle.

 

[Boomerang]

Keep in mind that "cut at the muzzle" does not mean cut on the muzzle,, folks that use the technique seat the ball then usually gather and lift the fabric and cut just above the muzzle.

Yep that is how I was doing it. Then I thought I would try taking the pre-lubed strips I made and cutting about 1-1/4" squares from them and shoot some groups from a bench with them and I couldn't see any difference in accuracy between the two methods.

 

[Grumpa]

Be aware that the more patch material left above the ball, the greater the possibility that the excess will capture the bell of your ramrod, wedging tightly between the bell and the barrel. You will then have a devil of a time trying to extract the ramrod, and you will be pulling the patched ball back out with it. And, should the patch tear away above the ball, you now have a bore obstruction. (The ball can easily be pushed back down to its proper position - IF you are aware of the situation.)

 

[Boomerang]

Be aware that the more patch material left above the ball, the greater the possibility that the excess will capture the bell of your ramrod, wedging tightly between the bell and the barrel. You will then have a devil of a time trying to extract the ramrod, and you will be pulling the patched ball back out with it. And, should the patch tear away above the ball, you now have a bore obstruction. (The ball can easily be pushed back down to its proper position - IF you are aware of the situation.)

Ya I found that out too. If I cut the patch about 1-1/4" square, then that leaves enough material to surround the ball without leaving too much sticking up past the ball to catch the ram rod. :thumbsup:

 

[Elkeater]

Ya I tried it both ways in my GPR 54 and I couldn't tell any difference in accuracy myself.

Me too. I use oxeyoke prelubed one size larger. Got good accuracy

 

[hanshi]

I have a shooting partner who "cuts at the muzzle" while I pre-cut square patches from ticking. We both do alright. :thumbsup:

 

[Cpl. Ashencheeks]

I use pre-cut patches for the most part for cleaning and dressing the bore.

It is much harder to center a circular patch for me, so I have decided to switch to cutting at the muzzle using pillow ticking.

Here is a video of someone cutting at the muzzle starting at around 1:50 to about 2:11 of the video individual holes can be seen within the patch strip before he folds it over.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdwiCpxManQ

I really have no idea what he is using as patch material. From the fray on the side of the strip it could be linen, but no way to tell for sure.

From what it looks like, the patch cuts on his strips do look pretty well centered and evenly cut.

Edit:
After scrolling down at video description, he does state that he is using .010 linen.

 

[Grenadier1758]

As long as there is patch material around the ball, there should be little difference in performance.

 

[Tom Compton]

Probably no difference but I've never used precut or been inclined to do any testing.
TC

 

[Billnpatti]

When done properly, I have seen no difference. But, if you use pre-cut square patches, you first must use the correct size patches. Their width should measure about 3 to 3.5 times the diameter of the ball. Too big or too small and they won't work as well as a patch cut at the muzzle. Secondly, you must be sure that the ball is centered on the patch. Square V.S, round....no difference.

When you cut at the muzzle, you are guaranteed that the patch is centered on the ball and, if you cut your patch with the ball just flush with the muzzle, it will be exactly the right size. Just a thought worth sharing.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Be aware

Yes. As one should be with every phase of shooting any kind of firearm.
Good advice, but kinda self-evident IMHO.

 

[Grumpa]

The quote did not stand alone, but was part of a sentence calling the OP's attention to a situation he might not have been aware of. (In his subsequent post, he indicates that he "found that out, too" - perhaps, the hard way).

The very fact that so many of us (myself included) have made the mistake of cutting too much patch, and thereby trapping the ramrod, is indication that what many of us see as "self-evident" is very often not.

It becomes self-evident when one is frantically and unsuccessfully trying to withdraw the ramrod, as the deer is walking away, guffawing. :grin:

 

[Walks with fire]

While I do think cutting at the muzzle is conducive to the best accuracy lately I have been using dry pre-cuts and using my own lube. I like the ones from Maine shooter supply.

IMO patch separation from the ball in a consistent manner shot to shot is why cutting at the muzzle works so well.

 

[fleener]

you asked about pre cut square patches or cut at the muzzle. So I assume you are making your own square patches?

No experience with either. I buy my ox yoke patches dry and they are round. I have won many matches with these patches as part of my load.

Fleener

 

[azmntman]

The quote did not stand alone, but was part of a sentence calling the OP's attention to a situation he might not have been aware of. (In his subsequent post, he indicates that he "found that out, too" - perhaps, the hard way).

The very fact that so many of us (myself included) have made the mistake of cutting too much patch, and thereby trapping the ramrod, is indication that what many of us see as "self-evident" is very often not.

It becomes self-evident when one is frantically and unsuccessfully trying to withdraw the ramrod, as the deer is walking away, guffawing. :grin:

Done it in deer season 2015. I didnt know what caused it but gun new to me in excellent shape and I cut "above" the muzzle and likely left too much material which grabbed the cloth and saved a life