Sprue .....up or down?

[smo]

Hand,
I think that is exactly what happens once the force of the air being applied to the balls face side and gravitational pull takes over as velocity decreases.

However I'm not convinced the sprue could create a "curve ball effect" on the ball if so , I would think a smooth bore would have a "knuckle ball/ spit ball effect.

Which may be exactly way their normal accuracy is less than a rifled barrel.
As I mentioned above at longer distances one might see a slight difference in accuracy caused by sprue placement , however loss of velocity,gravity and wind I think would become a factor more so....

I'm sure there's some kind of formula / study that's been done proving the fact...idk.

 

[nhmoose]

I always loaded my sprue's UP. I don't have x-ray vision to see if they are centered if I put them down.

My competition LB/Buff rifle had a false muzzle and I loaded it very tight using a .500 ball with .017 match patching [Teflon paint coated pillow tick] there would be no sprue after starting with a short starter with rounded matching face and a mallet. Latter on in the guns life at app 100,000 rounds plus I went to a .510 ball so the gun would maintain X-ring ability.

No the rifle was not HC/PC for any time other than CW it was an under hammer using a sealed percussion cap ignition it just made the 14 pound max with the sights on as shot per NMLRA rules. .

 

[Tom Compton]

I have noticed that when I load a .535 with my normal pillow ticking patch (.0018) I have too start it with a wooden mallet.

The force from driving the ball into the bore , be it only two or three raps with the mallet it flattens the face of the ball somewhat.

Still “I” can see no difference in “my” accuracy at Hunting ranges...

So you’re using a flat nubbin on a short starter? Hmmmm. Mine are concave to match the radius of the ball.

 

[Robby]

I believe that everything affects everything. Just two questions, to what degree(?), and is it a + or -(?).
I put sprue up and don't care if its perfectly centered, Hah
Robin

 

[Carbon 6]

My mold leaves a very pronounced sprue, I load straight up and center it. The short starter and ramrod reduce it to nothing.
I tried loading it down and found that the sprue would cause patch failures sometimes.
Molds like Lee really don't seem to matter.

 

[Stumpkiller]

I always loaded my sprue's UP. I don't have x-ray vision to see if they are centered if I put them down.

That's what I always figured. If you can't see the sprue how do you know it is centered? And the radius of the rammer tip (if cut concave) may further "round" the sprue edges when you start and seat the ball.

 

[smo]

So you’re using a flat nubbin on a short starter? Hmmmm. Mine are concave to match the radius of the ball.

Tom , I was only using the mallet, tapping the ball into the bore caused the flat spot on the face.

I have a short starter, but chose too just use the mallets head too start the ball then I use the handle of the mallet too push it on down the bore the first six inches.

Still even with the flat spot , I could see no adverse effect on the accuracy of my rifle at 75 yards or less.

I have not tested it at longer ranges...