Square patches

[Uncle Miltie]

Ever tried to pound a round peg down an octagonal hole?!?
From now on it’s octagonal patches for me!
It’ll take a little longer, about 5 seconds each- times 1000…. But I’m convinced the incredible increase in accuracy will more than make up for it…

I collect original bags horns and rifles, and have found octagonal patches in a few of them. When you really want to be cool though you will run a thread through the patches, keep them on a string and pull them off as needed.

 

[Smokyjoe]

I only use left handed patches - myself

 

[1BadDart]

I only use left handed patches - myself

Maybe that's my problem, I've been using right handed patches

 

[Quicksilver]

I leave it up to my patch knife. Not sure there is a name of the shape of some of those patches..

 

[rrebuck]

This gave me an idea, so that may be dangerous. The patch is only to act as a gasket to prevent the hot gas from passing the projectile and not interfere with its flight.
Have any of you tried shooting with the open end of the patch facing the powder charge? It should still prevent gas from bypassing the projectile, possibly even better since the extra material at the border of patch may seal better between the barrel and projectile, but it could deviate the bullet's flight if it didn't release from it or didn't release evenly.
Inquiring minds probably don't want to know.

 

[david w]

Maybe that's my problem, I've been using right handed patches

Try tuning your patches upside down

 

[oldwood]

Thanks.........I needed some laughs.....don't quit now.

 

[new2bp]

This gave me an idea, so that may be dangerous. The patch is only to act as a gasket to prevent the hot gas from passing the projectile and not interfere with its flight.
Have any of you tried shooting with the open end of the patch facing the powder charge? It should still prevent gas from bypassing the projectile, possibly even better since the extra material at the border of patch may seal better between the barrel and projectile, but it could deviate the bullet's flight if it didn't release from it or didn't release evenly.
Inquiring minds probably don't want to know.

Patch also grabs the rifling (if you have any) and helps impart that spin to the ball.

Personally... what shape would be needed to totally wrap the ball "seamless" ? No creases, folds, gaps, etc. Mebbe I need to tear apart a tennis ball or something.... but I'd think The Ultimate would be patched and lubed (sticky lube on inside) with patch wrapped so it would be seamless.

 

[david w]

Patch also grabs the rifling (if you have any) and helps impart that spin to the ball.

Personally... what shape would be needed to totally wrap the ball "seamless" ? No creases, folds, gaps, etc. Mebbe I need to tear apart a tennis ball or something.... but I'd think The Ultimate would be patched and lubed (sticky lube on inside) with patch wrapped so it would be seamless.

The only time a patch may have creases or folds is if you have really small balls.

 

[Okie Hog]

Anyone ever pre cut square patches and use them instead of cutting at the muzzle or using round patches?

Yes, all the patches i use are square.

Any disadvantages to this?

Not that i'm aware of.

 

[1BadDart]

Try tuning your patches upside down

I thought that only worked in the southern hemisphere.

 

[Dale Allen Raby]

I use square (more or less) patches all the time. I recycle pillow cases and old clothing and it is too much trouble to cut them round.

 

[Togo]

They start out square...

 

[waksupi]

What is even more important, is to always use striped pillow ticking. That way, if the gun is shooting to the left or right, simply turn the patch so the stripes point towards the direction you need the ball to hit. You can fine tune a load doing this, once you establish what angle the stripes need to be. Serious shooters will use a cold chisel to make a distinct groove on the muzzle so they can easily align the patch for best accuracy.

 

[1BadDart]

What is even more important, is to always use striped pillow ticking. That way, if the gun is shooting to the left or right, simply turn the patch so the stripes point towards the direction you need the ball to hit. You can fine tune a load doing this, once you establish what angle the stripes need to be. Serious shooters will use a cold chisel to make a distinct groove on the muzzle so they can easily align the patch for best accuracy.

Does it work with red and blue striped ticking?

 

[sportster73hp]

I cut square ones by the 100's using a rotary cutter.
Round or square doesn't matter as long as they cover the whole inside of the barrel.

Trying to be funny.
Yes Mark watched the video. I use scissors to cut square cleaning patches unless i just buy the round ones.

 

[1950DAVE]

I leave it up to my patch knife. Not sure there is a name of the shape of some of those patches..

Actually ther is a name for those patches. PERFECT!

 

[Paul Nelson]

I’ve used this, they work great!

 

[S.Kenton]

My Lyman 54, doesn’t care either round or square, we still compete and do well with square patches… in my experience, it doesn’t matter. IMHO, it’s hip to be square… ( Huey Lewis and the News) …

 

[Quicksilver]

The surface area of the patch that is touching the ball and the barrel is only a ring. As long as the patch is thick enough to seal the gas and not slip I would think it would work accurately no matter the shape.