Strip vs cut patches and a lube question or two.

[Big Bubba Daddy]

Evening all,

Is there any measurable difference between the accuracy of cutting patches off a strip at the crown of the barrel vs using pre-cut patches?

How tight do you cut the patch?

I like the traditional aspect of cutting from a strip so I don't see myself changing soon but if there is a big difference well...maybe.

I have been using some moose milk that was given to me to lube the strips a bit before using them.

I've been thinking about making some more and soaking the rolls in it and letting them dry...thoughts?

I also just made a batch of moose snot tonight, what is the best way to use this with strips, or pre-cut patches for that matter.

Thanks all.

 

[rabjr]

With all things equal, no there shouldn't be any difference, it's just your choice on how you want to do it.

 

[Big Bubba Daddy]

Thanks Swampy

 

[bwhoffman]

What Swampy said!

of my 4 primary shooters,...pistol, trade gun and 2 rifles,
I pre cut round patches for the hand gun and the .40, square patches for the .58 and strip patch/muzzle cut for the .62

I spit patch the smootie, moose juice the .58 and olive oil everything else.

just because I can! they all work, go bang and hit where intended when I do my part!

 

[BrownBear]

I've got an older reference that claims better accuracy in high precision shooting for cutting at the muzzle. I'll have to dig to find it, but it's a book mostly about old smiths and guns. I've never shot well enough to notice any difference if there is one. Of course, the author of the book blew himself up shooting one of his hold guns.

One thing that I find favorable about using strips and cutting at the muzzle is loading blocks. When you "cut at the muzzle" while filling one, there's no patching sticking up above the block and no tendency to snag and pull the balls loose.

Since I'm using a loading block on most hunts, that's a big bonus for me. If I was just a range rat, the convenience of precuts would make me recommend them.

 

[necchi]

Is there any measurable difference between the accuracy of cutting patches off a strip at the crown of the barrel vs using pre-cut patches?

There is No differance in accuracy, as long as the entire ball perimeter is surrounded by the patch.

How tight do you cut the patch?

I used to be very carefull too seat the ball just below the muzzle, then cut flush with the end of the barrel.
Now I just make a cut slightly above the muzzle, keeps my knife sharp longer. I have seen guy's cut as much as 1/2-3/4" above the muzzle and stuff the whole mess down the bore with no change in their accuracy. Any extra material above the ball matters little. I have simply seen too many top shooters leave plenty of excess fabric above the ball.

Sorry, I'll not comment about the lube,,to each his own, I'm a follower of Dutch Shultze and the secret papers.

 

[longcruise]

Is there any measurable difference between the accuracy of cutting patches off a strip at the crown of the barrel vs using pre-cut patches?

I could never see a difference. I use precut square patches and get the same results as pre cut round ones. Just easier to cut. With any precut patch you need to be sure they are large enough to keep the ball surrounded by patch material. Trying to use undersize patching can make it difficult to do that.

I like the traditional aspect of cutting from a strip so I don't see myself changing soon but if there is a big difference well...maybe.

I don't think there is any definitive historical reference for cutting patches at the muzzle. It slows down the whole process of reloading.

 

[rabjr]

I will add I myself cut strips of the apropriate width and then cut square patches that I keep in a tin. I use home made bear grease for lubing my patches, a good substitute for this is deer tallow and olive oil mix. My main concern is a hunting lube so if I have to wipe the bore more often at the range, I have no problem doing so. And the only reason I need to there is because I use a really tight patch/ball combo.

 

[gordy]

Over the last 20 years or so , several of the BP authors have expermented with the effects of patching on accy. :hmm: For the most part they all aagreed that how the patch was cut made no differenece in accy. that could be measured . Also the shape of the patch made no difference as long as it seals completely around the ball. The thickness of the patch will make a difference . As for lubes it seems everyone has a favorite that they feel gives the greatest accy , thats the one to use :v Try them all ! :thumbsup:

 

[Big Bubba Daddy]

thanks for all the feedback guys, keep it coming. I am going to go play hooky for the rest of the afternoon and head to the range :grin: wish me luck!

 

[buford87]

I think that book may have been THE MUZZLE-LOADING RIFLE...THEN AND NOW written by Walter M. Cline. I myself also prefer using strips and cutting at the muzzle.

 

[bkovire]

per cut per lubed patch for me, tried the "at the muzzle" it is ok, but the stock is too short or i am too tall, i cut sq patches then lube them, wal world had a sale, got 2 yards of pillow tic, 2 tubes tc wonder lube now to find a 50 cal. mold dirt cheep and ill be set! :thumbsup:

 

[Pete44ru]

FWIW, The forum member that I bought my .32 from told me that if I cut patches too big, the RR tip would get wedged downbore, when bullet seating, by the extra patch material - and since I believe him, I've been careful to cut off very little more than "just enough".

.

 

[necchi]

FWIW, The forum member that I bought my .32 from told me that if I cut patches too big, the RR tip would get wedged downbore, when bullet seating,

OH Ya!
There's a little "knack" too lifting the rod tip or short starter a bit so that it's on top of any excess fabric, instead of surrounded by it just at the begining of seating,,,

 

[BrownBear]

I think that book may have been THE MUZZLE-LOADING RIFLE...THEN AND NOW written by Walter M. Cline. I myself also prefer using strips and cutting at the muzzle.

That's it! Thanks. You saved me digging. If and when I remembered to do it! :surrender:

Interesting book. I get the impression that he made more of a study of accuracy than any author since.

 

[ohio ramrod]

The advantage to cutting at the muzzle is that you are guaranteed a centered patch.The disadvantage is time and possibility of cutting yourself. Handling a sharp knife every shot can be hazardous to your health if you are a klutz like me. :idunno: