patched round ball question

[71Shovelhead]

I just completed a .45 caliber Kentucky muzzleloader pistol kit now I'm ready to shoot it. I have been out of black powder for a long time and could use some refresher. I have .440, .454, and .495 dia round balls available, so I'm guessing I want the .440 round ball with a .015 - .018 maybe even .020 patch for this .45cal pistol. What patch material can I use that will be about this thickness?

Thank You
71SH

[CP]

It’s going to be trial and error finding what loads well and shoots well.  You are in the ball park but it’s most likely going to take some experimenting to find the right combo.  You might try here:

https://possibleshop.com/s-s-patch.html

[71Shovelhead]

Thanks CP, the possible shop appears to have what Im looking for. Strips vs round or square? Not familiar with "strips. How do they work?

[CP]

Strips work like a large piece of cloth.  Cloth over the muzzle, start the ball, trim the cloth.  Back when I did this I preferred large cloth over patches; getting the ball centered in the patch was always difficult for me.  Get it off center and the shot goes off mark.

Personal choice. 

[hal]

mattress ticking. perfect thickness about .10. there are over the counter versions that save some work. When in Pennsylvania (must hunt with flintlock and patch and round ball) I used ticking with my T/C .54 renegade. no issues

[hal]

make sure you lube them well to avoid burn thru. You will find that if you go thicker you will have problems starting your ball after about 3 shots.

[Smokeploe]

Sometime old blue jeans work also.  Before loading I would smear some patch grease on the cloth on the outside where it would contact the rifling.  You will have to experiment to find the right thickness of patch material.

Keep your powder dry
Smokeploe

[Scruffy]

Sometimes people overthink when it comes to muzzleloaders.  300 yrs ago they didn't have shelves of patches in various thicknesses.  They used what they have at the time.  Back in PA. we used old flannel shirts for our patches.  First cut a bunch of patches about 1 1/2 square, grease on side with Vaseline.  Put the grease side toward the powder, place your ball on top and start it.  Trim the patch just above center and ram the ball home.  The wife bought me a new CVA Optima a few yrs ago but I am liking my old TC Hawking flintlock better.  And when it comes to cleaning them.  Hot soapy water is all they see.  I don't use all the new modern cleaning stuff out there.

[71Shovelhead]

thanks for all the reply's. Scruffy, You hit the nail on the head. I definitely have a tendency to "over think things". Have trouble with the whole KISS concept.

71SH