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

[Adam Helmer]

Gil,

I have noticed in my MLs that a change in any variable usually changes things. I assume you were using .490" round balls in your .50. I usually use .010" patches and .490 balls in my 50s. I got a box of 100 .495" balls that will be tested this afternoon.

On my backyard range, I have target frames at 50 and 100 yards from the bench. I like to check my zeros at both ranges before I go afield. Good shooting.

Adam

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Actually, this is one of the first things that I had problems with when I first started muzzleloading 15 years ago....the manual said to go with a .015" patch and a .530 round ball in my CVA St. Louis Hawkin. I tried, but it seemed like it took and awful lot of force to get the ball down the barrel, even if it wasn't fouled. I switched to a .010 patch instead, and the ball seated easier and shot accurately without a problem.

[Hoyt]

I just got through with a .54cal. Bucks County and .010" Ox Yoke prelubed patches with .530 ball.. 90grs. 3f Goex is what it shoots best. It goes down smooth. I tried .015" patches and they were just too tight.

[Adam Helmer]

Hoyt,

Welcome to the Forum, if I have not said so before. Is your .54 caliber Bucks County rifle flint or caplock? The .54 in both systems is my favorite caliber with ball or maxis.

Adam

[Hoyt]

Thanks for the welcome Adam..I've been posting on Hunt Chat for a few yrs. just not that much..but check in all the time to see whats going on.

It's a flintlock..here's a couple of pictures of it. .

Picture 1

Picture 3

Picture 2

[Gil Martin]

Thanks for sharing. All the best...
Gil

[Adam Helmer]

Hoyt,

Nice photos; now give us "the rest of the story." Did you build the rifle or have it made custom, or buy it off the shelf?

Adam