Patch thickness variables

[Gil Martin]

At the range today, I did some informal testing using a Lyman .50 flintlock Great Plains Rifle. The load was 90 grs. FFg and a .490 round ball. The only variable was the thickness of the lubed patch. Loads using .010" patches printed groups about 2 inches above point of aim at 50 yards. Going to .015" patch produced tighter groups about 2 inches below point of aim. I swabbed the barrel with a wet patch and a dry patch between shots. All firing was from a bench and sandbag rest. The weather was perfect without any noticeable wind. This was an unscientific test, but did suggest some trends that might occur when changing patch thickness. Anyone see any changes when shooting different patches? All the best...
Gil