Author Topic: Precut Shooting Patches (Read 810 times)

Randy_che · « **on:** March 30, 2004, 08:14:39 AM »

What are the sizes of the precut shooting patches? I'm looking for diameters in inches or mm.
Thanks,
Randy

HWooldridge · « **Reply #1 on:** March 30, 2004, 10:09:56 AM »

If you buy them in the store, the label will usually indicate what caliber to be used in. I find it much easier and cheaper to make up bulk material with lube and use a straight razor as a patch knife.

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #2 on:** March 30, 2004, 10:30:54 AM »

I like to just cut mine at the muzzle from bulk material as it will center easier. However I also have a circular patch cutter that cuts a patch from material laid down that is about an inch in diameter which I really don't find an real difference in performance between 45, 50 and 54.

Randy_che · « **Reply #3 on:** March 30, 2004, 10:38:24 AM »

Right, that's kinda what I'm asking. The packages say the caliber to use them in, but don't say the actual size. For instance, the .50 cal size is about 1.5 inch in diameter (if I remember right, but that's why I'm asking). So what I am really asking is...what is the actual diameter? I'm guessing that you cut strips a certain width, then cut off as you start the ball. How wide is that strip? It will probably give me a pretty good idea of the precut diameter. Maybe if someone has a .50 cal precut patch sitting around, they could just measure the diameter. If you cut by eyeballing it, just estimate the size.

Thanks,
Randy

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #4 on:** March 30, 2004, 10:50:28 AM »

If you are going to tear strips of pillow ticking, make them a little wider than you think you will need. Then cut one patch from the muzzle and you will have a hole to know the size you cut. If you tear a little wider, you will have some more on the sides to cut and won't just cut the top and bottom and have an oval patch. However I really don't believe it actually makes any difference. Someone may know different in which case I am interested in knowing if it does, but I haven't found any yet.

simonkenton · « **Reply #5 on:** March 30, 2004, 10:54:05 AM »

My precut .50 patches are 1 1/4 inches diameter.

Randy_che · « **Reply #6 on:** March 30, 2004, 11:33:13 AM »

Great! This is the kind of stuff I was looking for. Hey Tom, where did you get that round patch cutter? I was thinking of trying to make one.

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #7 on:** March 30, 2004, 11:47:23 AM »

I bought it a few years ago from one of the catgalog outfits, maybe Midway, Cabelas or Bass Pro. I think the brand is Forester, same as the case trimmer and other reloading tools. I will check to see if I can find the instructions with the part number when I get back out to the barn. It has a steel cup that you push against the material and then there is a blade inside that you twist that cuts the patch. It works pretty quick. I also use it to cut cleaning patches out of old flannel shirts.

They also make a tool to make your own percussion caps using toy paper caps and soda cans for the cup. I was going to buy one of those but forgot to when I placed my order at the time. I still have the paper caps sitting on the shelf waiting for the tool.

crow_feather · « **Reply #8 on:** March 30, 2004, 12:01:00 PM »

Randy_che
Those round patches look nice but it don't make no difference if the patch be round or square as long as it covers the ball just over the center of the ball's diameter. Like many others, I tear (because it's faster) my pillow ticking into a long legnth. I tie one end to the cord on my powder horn, and work off ta other. I dip ta other end in my lube, wring it out and cut off a square patch, tyhe legnth being equal to the width. I can dip about three legnths of patches at a time. Otherwise the last tends to dry out.

C F

Evil Dog · « **Reply #9 on:** March 30, 2004, 02:02:08 PM »

rather than tearing my bulk pillow ticking, I cut it with a pair of "pinking shears".... that eliminates those pesky little strings unraveling all along the edges.

Bob/FLA · « **Reply #10 on:** March 31, 2004, 02:41:53 PM »

I use my wifes roller cutter to cut square patches. As noted above, round vs square doesn't matter. Mt patches are 2" square pillow ticking...every time I shoot, it looks like a small matress flying out the end of my barrel. :-D
The roller cutters can be purchased at Walmart, fabric section. Replacement blades are pretty cheap and easy to find.

Will Bison · « **Reply #11 on:** April 01, 2004, 06:39:43 AM »

I just measured some of precut round patches for the .54 and they are 1.5 inch diameter. I prefer to just cut them at the muzzle from good old pillow ticking. I just tear off a strip about 6 feet long and two inches wide. I roll it up and stick it in the bag. I lube as I go. When done shooting the same material is cut for cleaning patches.

Randy_che · « **Reply #12 on:** April 01, 2004, 05:19:27 PM »

Lots of good information here guys. Thanks.

Randy