Slow match diameter recomendation

[NorthFork]

I have bought my first matchlock. This one in fact-

https://militaryheritage.com/musket15.htm
I ordered the lever model. It will take a couple weeks before I recieve it. I would like to make some slow match prior to recieving it. I have read about bucking the match in wood ash and also treating it with saltpeter. What I'm not sure of is what the proper diameter should be. I know the is some wiggle room here but would 8mm be a reasonable diameter for something like this? I don't want to order hemp rope that would either be too small or too large in diameter to use. Thanks.

 

[russellshaffer]

I bought a ball of hemp cord from Joannes fabric. If you do the saltpeter soak it swells up some so it's a little larger. It burns with a really good red hot coal and lights the pan powder well. I guess you could twist or braid it to get a larger diameter but I don't find it necessary. A small very hot coal is better than a larger but cooler one. 400 feet should last a good long time. Note the price, too.

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

I like 5/16” to 3/8” finished diameter.

 

[NorthFork]

I like 5/16” to 3/8” finished diameter.

Could you explain? Is it that the rope swells slightly due to the soaking up of saltpeter?

 

[Sam squanch]

Usually things DON’T swell from too much saltpeter…..

 

[BillinOregon]

Following. For the price, those guns from MH seem a good way to "dip one's toe."

 

[Pukka Bundook]

I agree Bill.
Good way to see if it's your thing or not!
I used to get my hemp twine from Susan Wallace, but don't think they carry it now. It was chap and I have a couple of rolls.
Of course for snapping or tinder-locks, its not used other than to light the tinder.

 

[BillinOregon]

You know, Pukka, I was trying to remember Susan Wallace's name. I think I got tow from her many years ago.

 

[Canute Rex]

Tanner Moulds sells the Japanese made match. It is about 5/16" diameter and *hot*.

https://www.ballmoulds.com/product/matchlock-cord/
If you buy a few lengths at once the shipping isn't bad, and I realized that it's cheaper than buying untreated braided hemp.

 

[Pukka Bundook]

My hemp twine works as well as I could wish. Bit thinner than most original, but sure fire and fast so I can't complain. it goes from a tad under a quarter inch to a bit over.

Looks like the same stuff as Russell posted up the page.