Was Dutch right about wiping between shots?

[Grenadier1758]

I notice that when I wipe between shots that my loosely patched jag pushes smoke through the touch hole or nipple and the damp patch softens the fouling that is left.

 

[LME]

I notice that when I wipe between shots that my loosely patched jag pushes smoke through the touch hole or nipple and the damp patch softens the fouling that is left.

I haven't read Dutch,s book but would like to know his exact method of shooting a M.L.! would someone be so kind as to post his method?

 

[Siringo]

I no doubt will catch flak for this but I blow down the barrel before loading
As some see a danger in putting you mouth over an empty gun some folks ape-ah fecal matter over this.
There are several ways of doing this that don’t involve kissing the muzzle.
The big advantage of this is that solid whoosh of air out the touch hole
It’s good and clear now at this point.

I use a blow tube on breechloaders. Using a blow tube might be worth a try. Only issue I might be concerned with is moisture buildup at the breech.

 

[Crawfish]

I thoroughly cleaned my barrel, scraped the breech too. Also the vent liner. When I got done, I stuck my tiny bore light into the vent hole. (Light from a night fishing bobber. To my surprise, it looked like the light was ahead of the patent breech cavity. I have enlarged my vent liner hole to 5/64.
I have the original lock on my TC, it sure may be contributing to the problem, as it eats flints. I will search for a 2nd generation lock. I’m going to continue to wipe between shots, but use the correct jag and patch.
I also live in Georgia, and high humidity is surely adding to the problem.
I’ll get it sorted out and report back.
Thank you all for the tips and advice.
I will also go back to spit patches for a time to see how effective it is.

 

[French Colonial]

I use a blow tube on breechloaders. Using a blow tube might be worth a try. Only issue I might be concerned with is moisture buildup at the breech.

Never been a problem for me, the little bit of moisture in your breath keeps the fouling soft.

 

[longcruise]

I haven't read Dutch,s book but would like to know his exact method of shooting a M.L.! would someone be so kind as to post his method?

You can purchase it here:

https://blackpowderrifleaccuracy.com/

May as well get it straight from the source.

 

[Grenadier1758]

I thoroughly cleaned my barrel, scraped the breech too. Also the vent liner. When I got done, I stuck my tiny bore light into the vent hole. (Light from a night fishing bobber. To my surprise, it looked like the light was ahead of the patent breech cavity. I have enlarged my vent liner hole to 5/64.
I have the original lock on my TC, it sure may be contributing to the problem, as it eats flints. I will search for a 2nd generation lock. I’m going to continue to wipe between shots, but use the correct jag and patch.
I also live in Georgia, and high humidity is surely adding to the problem.
I’ll get it sorted out and report back.
Thank you all for the tips and advice.
I will also go back to spit patches for a time to see how effective it is.

The only thing different between your original lock and the upgraded lock is the hammer and frizzen. RMC-Ox Yoke has upgraded hammers and frizzens to replace your original parts. That's a lot cheaper than finding a replacement lock.

 

[waarp8nt]

I believe a lot of issues with patent breeches could be avoided with a proper cleaning to remove all preservation oil before the shooting starts. I have found a thorough cleaning before any shooting session, helps my T/C flintlock and its ability to shoot multiple shots. I clean with Dawn dishwashing soap and water to remove any rust preventative oils. Then wipe down the bore thoroughly with rubbing alcohol, to help remove any moisture, the higher the alcohol content the better. Allow the barrel to dry and/or run a clean patchs down it to ensure any and all oil content is removed.