Thin versus thick patches

[Gil Martin]

Most of my muzzleloaders have shot rather well with .015" patches using Crisco as a lube agent and lead balls. On my last trip to the gun shop, I picked up several packs of patches. Upon arriving home I noticed they were .010" and pre-lubed with an oily material. I decided to use them up and get some thicker patches.

At the range, the standard powder charges produced much tighter groups. The only variable was the change in patch thickness. The same thing happened when I shot the thinner patches in other rifles. Yesterday, a chap was watching my target as I banged away with a .50 Lyman Great Plains flintlock. He came up to me an told me I was keeping the balls almost touching inside the 2-inch bull on the target.

I believe I will stay with these thinner patches for awhile. Anyone else have a similar experience? All the best...
Gil