What size drill bit for .32 caliber loading block?

[Sidney Smith]

I am planning on making a loading block for my squirrel gun. Need to know what drill bit size to use. Thanks

 

[Bob McBride]

Depends on your RB size and patch thickness but I’d probably try 5/16” which is .312 or so off the top of my head.

You should be able to find a drill bit conversion online to convert decimal sizes to drill # or fraction.

 

[FishDFly]

Use to be a sticky here which covered what drill bits for what caliber, might do a search for it.

 

[SmokepoleSam]

Go to the top of this page, 2'nd post:
Tables, useful information etc

 

[Eric Krewson]

 

[FishDFly]

Thanks.

 

[Sidney Smith]

I'm using .311 diameter balls and about an .012 patch. I did find the above list after I posted this. However thanks.

 

[LAD]

One thing to remember is make the hole for ball, patch and lube diameter. Do not leave out the room for the lube or your loading block will be worthless. Unless it is real hot the lube will actually help the ball stay in the loading block if there is a sizeable amount of lube.
Making the wood portion thick enough to allow for an extra amount of lube on the bottom of the ball/patch will also help hold the ball and add lube to barrel.

 

[Sidney Smith]

I usually make my loading blocks about 1/4 the size of the bigger so there's no part of the ball or patch protruding. I plan to make this one about 3/8ths thick. That will give me a little room for patch and ball.

I don't have a 21/64ths drill bit but I do have an 11/32nds. That only puts me 1/64th larger than the recommended hole size. I think it will still work.