shdwlkr
40 Cal.
Do any of you make your own patches for cleaning or shooting or both? If you do what sizes do you make for a given caliber? I would like to know for both black and smokeless firearms if you can tell me
thanks
thanks
size of patches
- Thread starter shdwlkr
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jtmattison
70 Cal.
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I cut my own for .50 and .54 caliber. I make 1 1/4 inch patches for patched roundball and 2 inch patches for cleaning for both calibers.
You're on your own with the smokeless. We don't talk about them here. :nono:
:v
HD
You're on your own with the smokeless. We don't talk about them here. :nono:
:v
HD
The formula for a roundball patch is
D = (bore diameter/2 times 3.1)+ bore diameter
Where D is the diameter of the patch or the size of the squares width if you want to make square patches.
Said another way, it is equal to the bore radius times 3.1 plus the bore diameter.
For a .50 caliber that is (.50/2 X 3.1) + .50 = (.25 X 3.1) + .50 = .775 + .50 = 1.27 give or take a smidgen.
Cleaning patches can be bigger but don't over do it. Using a extra large patch in a muzzleloader can end up with the patch bunching up above the cleaning jag when the jag/rod is being pulled out of the barrel. This will lock the thing in place.
D = (bore diameter/2 times 3.1)+ bore diameter
Where D is the diameter of the patch or the size of the squares width if you want to make square patches.
Said another way, it is equal to the bore radius times 3.1 plus the bore diameter.
For a .50 caliber that is (.50/2 X 3.1) + .50 = (.25 X 3.1) + .50 = .775 + .50 = 1.27 give or take a smidgen.
Cleaning patches can be bigger but don't over do it. Using a extra large patch in a muzzleloader can end up with the patch bunching up above the cleaning jag when the jag/rod is being pulled out of the barrel. This will lock the thing in place.
MikeChapin
58 Cal.
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I cut my own shooting patches. I use a hole saw that has had the teeth removed and an edge put on it. I use a 7/8" hole saw for .32 and .36 and a 1 3/8" for .50 to .58.
For cleaning patches I cut them to whatever size I need. I just cut them to what will work no fixed size.
For cleaning patches I cut them to whatever size I need. I just cut them to what will work no fixed size.
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For 50 caliber and larger I cut all my shooting patches at the muzzle for range shooting. For hunts I also cut them "at the muzzle" when filling my loading blocks. Perfect patches every time!
For 32 and 36 caliber I've been using commercial prelube patches. If I get around to it this winter I'll probably test loads with homemade patches, but that's pretty low priority right now. I don't usually start hunting snowshoe hares till winter, so it's been pretty easy to put off while concentrating on big game.
I cut my cleaning patches in bulk from all-cotton flannel using a roller cutter. Folded into 6 layers and cut in strips, then crosscut into squares, it took about half an hour to cut up 5 yards of fabric. I doubt I'll be thinking about cleaning patches for several years now.
For 32 and 36 caliber I've been using commercial prelube patches. If I get around to it this winter I'll probably test loads with homemade patches, but that's pretty low priority right now. I don't usually start hunting snowshoe hares till winter, so it's been pretty easy to put off while concentrating on big game.
I cut my cleaning patches in bulk from all-cotton flannel using a roller cutter. Folded into 6 layers and cut in strips, then crosscut into squares, it took about half an hour to cut up 5 yards of fabric. I doubt I'll be thinking about cleaning patches for several years now.
Brian the Brit
36 Cal.
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Thanks for passing on the formula, Zonie. (I didn't know there was one!) That's what I love about our hobby, there's always something new to learn.
I was told that the way to determine patch size was to place a thin, cotton handkerchief over the muzzle and then press a ball into the bore taking some of the fabric with it. You then draw a pencil line on the fabric around the muzzle giving the correct diameter circle when the handkerchief and ball are withdrawn. I suppose that's just the same as cutting the patch at the muzzle.
I've just used your formula for my 'new' Barwick flintlock pistol (the bore of which measures .593") to give a patch diameter of 1.42".
It will be interesting to do the handkerchief method (when I've been able to cast some balls) and then compare the results.
I was told that the way to determine patch size was to place a thin, cotton handkerchief over the muzzle and then press a ball into the bore taking some of the fabric with it. You then draw a pencil line on the fabric around the muzzle giving the correct diameter circle when the handkerchief and ball are withdrawn. I suppose that's just the same as cutting the patch at the muzzle.
I've just used your formula for my 'new' Barwick flintlock pistol (the bore of which measures .593") to give a patch diameter of 1.42".
It will be interesting to do the handkerchief method (when I've been able to cast some balls) and then compare the results.
Emet Huntsman
40 Cal.
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took me three years to complete basic algebra, so I just go old school -- PM + RB + PK = JRS
patch material + roundball + patch knife = Just Right Size :rotf:
patch material + roundball + patch knife = Just Right Size :rotf:
rafterob
62 Cal.
I think you will find that cutting at the muzzle is the easiest way to approach patching the ball.
That is great. :rotf:The Parson said:
Although I hate cutting at the muzzle with lubed patch material, to messy to carry, spit patched works great. I used to just cut square patches which are great but recently just got a 1" round cutter for .36 and .40 and another 1-3/8" cutter for .50 and up.
My formula has always been to take a ball and a piece of patching, twist the ball up in it in your fingers and then take a pair of scissors and cut the lose stuff off the top of the ball. When you open it back up - there's your ideal patch size.
Bonus: you get a patch PLUS a pattern left in the material. :haha:
A better yet alternative is to cut them at the muzzle while loading. Those are ALWAYS centered.
Bonus: you get a patch PLUS a pattern left in the material. :haha:
A better yet alternative is to cut them at the muzzle while loading. Those are ALWAYS centered.
ohio ramrod
75 Cal.
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Before retiring as a tool and die maker I made several patch cutting dies out of worn out drill bushings. I use an arbor press to cut the patches out of woven cotton . As to size I use a patch three times the bore or slightly larger. For optumum accuracy I cut at loading with a short starter about .125 inches long to seat the ball in the barrel before cutting the patch.
