Problem making Loading Blocks

[Flash Pan Dan]

I was making a loading block for my 50 caliber rifle and so I got my 1/2 inch drill bit and drilled the holes and finish the block. When I tried to use it I found the holes were too small for my patched balls. So I took my calipers out and the holes measured .501. I had one old commercially made ball block and the holes measured .525. What drill bit should I be using?

 

When I tried to use it I found the holes were too small for my patched balls.

Why not measure the width of your patch and ball to see what size you need?

 

[Flash Pan Dan]

Well, I guess I am still functioning under the dictum “measure once, cut twice.” :redface: The commercial blocks, which measure .525, work perfectly for with any combo I have used I just didn’t measure the holes before I started to make my own blocks. I was using the reference chart in the Resources section of this forum.

 

[Black Hand]

Jack hit it right on the head.

Let's assume you are shooting a 0.490 ball and a 0.015 patch--->
0.490 + 2(0.015)= 0.520

 

[skunkskinner]

Just get some 120 grit sandpaper, wrap it around a pencil and make the hole a little bigger. That's how i fix em.

 

[roundball]

Just get some 120 grit sandpaper, wrap it around a pencil and make the hole a little bigger. That's how i fix em.

Or a large round file made for use on wood...

 

[LRB]

That is no doubt the best way. Drill a size small, file out to what suits you. There is no exact size that will satisfy everyones needs.

 

[ohio ramrod]

I like to drill my blocks .015to .020 over the ball size. Then take a tapered wooden dowel rod with a slot cut in the end. Wrap course sand paper around the dowel held in place with the slot and "taper sand " the holes until I get a firm but not tight fit. This allows for easy loading yet holds the patched balls firmly in place. A little trial and error will get yopu the right size for your patch and ball combination. :idunno: :idunno:

 

It should be easier than this to put a round peg in a round hole. :haha:

 

[necchi]

http://www.csgnetwork.com/drillsizeconvert.html

 

[Flash Pan Dan]

You would think it would be, apparently it is not.

 

[Stumpkiller]

I use a pen knife and a round file, then sandpaper around a dowel. No drill at all, or you could do a 3/8" drill to set the spacing. Open it up until the bare ball just drops through and when patched it will be snug.

Here's a .66 cal made out of a furing strip (cheapest lumber there is).

Sometimes they're a bit funky - but that adds character and they work beautifully.