BLACK POWDER PATCHES, BALLS, AND LUBE. PART #1 (NEW SHOOTER SERIES)

[@crominion6045]

I remember years ago when I bought my first pillow ticking. I went into one of those Jo-Ann fabric and craft stores and asked this older lady if they had pillow ticking. She showed me to their selection, then asked what I was going to be using it for, so she could help me choose the right stuff. When I told her it was for use in a muzzleloading firearm, she was intrigued, and I ended up describing the entire loading process and how the ticking came into play. She seemed truly fascinated by the whole thing and even called another employee over to tell her about it. It was one of those cool experiences you never forget. It's not often we smoke pole enthusiasts get to discuss our hobby with the general public. 👍😄

[@BlackPowderTV]

Darn right. Great story! We call that testifying down here! Thanks Cro!

[@matthalsey387]

Yes, I had exactly the same experience except my Joann salesperson was less intrigued :-)

[@dennisskurnack1740]

Had a similar experience at Jo-Ann's. I walked in with my calipers and started reading material to see if it was 100% cotton and measuring each. They thought I was a psycho until I explained what I wanted, and explained the loading process.

[@OMGWUNSIU]

wow, have had a muzzleloader for 30:years, but only shot it half a dozen times for lots of reasons. i’m nearing retirement now and wanting to get back into it and i learned a lot from this video. This was a very helpful and informative video. Thanks for that!

[@bradrichaud6533]

A little tip for choking up on your ram rod to push in a tight ball patch combination. I use a a tool made for pulling carbon arrows out of targets. Its 4 inch block made out of silicone with a groove in it to grip around the arrow shaft. I have trouble getting a good grip sometimes on the ram rod to push the ball down and this thing has solved that problem. I bought one just for my possibles bag.

[@Yosemite-George-61]

God bless people like you... For my 58th b-day I bought a second hand "Pensylvannia" pistol from Palmetto. .44, really nice (to me). Minor experience with Piettas 1854s and hours of youtube.. Roun'd here nobody knows the fine details of muzzleloading and thanks to you I can start burning patches with out danger. Cheers from Normandy !

[@gregggibson3109]

I want to express my appreciation for the work you put into these videos. They’re informative, quality pieces that I find very interesting and entertaining . Keep up the good work!

[@BlackPowderTV]

I really appreciate it Gregg. Sorry for the delay in replying but its been a crazy week getting the hay in.

[@1947ramrod]

Through the years, I have mostly used pillow ticking and have gotten good results with it. On a recent trip to the fabric I took my micrometer and was surprised to find pillow ticking ranging in sizes from .011 to .018. I bought all that remained on the bolt of .018. I cut my pillow ticking in strips and cut it at the muzzle.

[@rc6147]

Helpful videos! I just started getting into Flintlocks with a '66 Charleville. Looking to get Kibler rifle someday.

[@prsearls]

That is really good information. I don't shoot my muzzle loader very much but enjoy it when I do. You educated me on some important points I did not know or appreciate. Thanks.

[@danclas5983]

Good video . Glad to see your back , taking care of a property will always keep ya busy . Sometimes feel like i have two full time jobs . Your channel has become my favorite , great job !!!

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks Dan!

[@stevenbowen2061]

So much truth in that especially when it comes to round-bottom rifling.

[@sha6mm]

Thanks

[@seantierney3]

great start on this topic. I for one prefer square patches as scissors are easy to use and cheap. also helps keep it centered as I can line up the edges with 4 flats on the barrel. One thing to keep in mind when shopping for fabric is that many different weights of the same fabric might be available and will have a different thickness accordingly. so write down what you got for future reference.

[@rooster3019]

yep, patch knife

[@rustybayonet1664]

I love your technical data

[@blackpowdermaniacshooter]

Excellent video..you have answered a lot of questions for anyone getting into this fascinating hobby! WELL DONE !!

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks Mark. With all the family here the last few weeks I’m planning on at least 1 video a day for the next week or so to get caught up. BP all week. It can only be good times on the BPTV compound!

[@blackpowdermaniacshooter]

@@BlackPowderTV Bring 'em on........!!

[@billleblanc819]

Excellent info, and just what I need. As a beginner muzzleloader, this will get me up to speed and get those tight groups I’m looking for. Thank you for this video along with the future related video’s on this subject!

[@lenwyde]

Great ! Rifle style from my homeland. I'm from Red Bank, TN and have relatives in Soddy Daisy.

[@BlackPowderTV]

Very cool! I’m pretty close to Soddy Daisy too. They are the most perfect southern gun ever made. 👍🏻

[@t.curran8243]

October Country has ticking in bulk for chapeau.

[@Spartan37122140]

Excellent advise as usual 👍🏻!

[@martinmeltzer2696]

Hi Bob! Thanks for putting this one out! That was a lot of information in a short period of time, so I'll probably watch it multiple times to make sure I got it all. Based upon my one viewing... a lot of the mystery of patching has evaporated. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the series! (I liked the aside comment about, "That's a lot of numbers for a country boy.", as well!)

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks Martin! Part two coming tomorrow.

[@rodneymcqueen1706]

just picked up a repro 1841 cap lock in .54 so this has been golden. Thank you from Australia

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks Rodney! I appreciate it!

[@capt.martin5169]

Wow, great info, thanks!

[@slickslicker9321]

So happy to see ya back! Missing ya! Had me worried there for while.🙂

[@nosaltiesandrooshere7488]

👍 hervorragend, dankeschön!

[@oldschooljack3479]

Forgot to mention... The old standby: The gun will tell you what it likes to be fed to shoot well.

[@BlackPowderTV]

I’ll put that in tomorrow on part 2! Thanks Mike! I appreciate the comments!

[@dwayneparkhurst5370]

Very cool and informative video! I'm still trying to dial in my first flintlock. I'm having a blast! Keep the videos coming!

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks Dwayne!

[@johnmccray5534]

Great video Bob! Keep them rolling! Big John

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks John!

[@wadepatton2433]

I'm going to throw this in and hope it's not redundant and does help some newer folks learn: 'tis generally better to run a smaller ball/thicker patch combination than a thinner patch and fatter ball. Why? Two reasons: Thinner patching is more likely to cut or burn through (failure), and thinner patching carries less lube. A snug loading with enough lube is the trick to more shooting and less (if any) wiping. Also always WASH new patching material if sourcing it from fabric stores. Washing it takes out "sizing" which is used in finishing textiles.

[@BlackPowderTV]

I agree 100%. Thanks Wade!

[@noah-xu7uq]

thanks for making these, i recently got into black powder because of a old jj weston belguim side by side i got has to be shot with black powder. went back and found a cva buckhorn magnum for $100. got the accessories and powder and that lee mold for the hunting / ball bullets. planned on making my own bore butter and bore patches. i used to make cutting board wax (mineral oil and beeswax) so i plan to make my own patches and wax them. thanks for the tips

[@MarkAycock]

Very helpful videos. I recently acquired a Model 1842 Harpers Ferry .69 cal smoothbore that I am interested in learning to shoot. The information in your videos has answered many questions. Thank you for taking the time to create and post these videos.

[@olskool3967]

that will be interesting Bob, can't wait to see what happens,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@BlackPowderTV]

Me too! Thanks!

[@mrdinme.4768]

You got a great way of explaining these things. I use a .490 ball in my Hawken, but have played with different patch thicknesses, .010, 015, .018 been lubing with bore butter. The 10’s go down too easy to be real effective, but great for fun shooting, the 18’s are so tight I need a hammer to get them down, and afraid gonna snap off the ramrod, the 15’s just seem to be a good compromise. I try reading the patches, but cant be sure Im doing it all to great. Looking forward to watching the next part, off to it, Godspeed

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks MrD!

[@ryanjones5454]

Great info thanks !!

[@oldschooljack3479]

Glad to see this latest video! I was concerned with not seeing new videos for a while... But it is hay season so I understand if you were busy. Great job. Keep 'em coming. Mike

[@BlackPowderTV]

Hey Mike! Yep, you nailed it! Second cutting came at the same time I had family pop in from Texas for a few weeks. A week prior getting the place presentable and the week after catching up on farm chores!

[@oldschooljack3479]

Understand completely. I haven't been in the hay but I did just finish 12 days in a row trying to meet a deadline at work. Haven't even had time to get on ALR... Feels like I've been living on Mars for a few weeks.

[@donfullbright8468]

'Love your channel. Simpley the best.

[@kswan6581]

More great info. Thanks very much.

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks Kelvin! I appreciate it!

[@roddboyer5555]

Looking forward to the next video! Good job!

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks Rod’ it’ll be out tomorrow!

[@UncleSasquatchOutdoors]

Good to see you again! I guess you have been busy as I was concerned with no videos lately. Very good information!

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks US. Had Texas family come up for a few weeks. Back on track. 👍🏻

[@deanmacka4975]

Great stuff mate

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks so much Gene!

[@tommaddox1028]

Don't forget you need wash the patching to get the sizing out the patch and ball should start without to much pressure. it should not load hard. It will get harder after shooting. After shooting go and look at the patch. It will show you how well it seals. Also if it's burned or if it's cut because the rifling has cut the patch. Most pillow ticking measures .015. to get thicker patching use old pair of jeans. Not to tight if you are hunting if you break something your screwed

[@BlackPowderTV]

Excellent point. 👍🏻

[@millardmoore479]

❤ from California

[@35southkiwi16]

Good useful stuff. Thanks!

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks Kiwi!

[@jeffe.9904]

BPTV, thanks for another Great Video! Been Wondering Where You have Been! 😀👍🏻

[@BlackPowderTV]

Hey Jeff! Had a bunch of family show up on the farm for a few weeks! Great times but back to work!

[@SirMillz]

I know nothing about muzzleloaders but I want to get one and learn. Looking at an Investarm - 50 caliber Bridger Hawken. All these videos make it seem complicated. I'm hoping to learn.

[@taurushipointenthusiast1306]

information was great and on. What I have learned out of my .50 Cal black powder they are not truly .50s they vary from .501 to .503 so the .50 round ball and a .001 patch, well is a favorite of mine, best accuracy by far. I will side as a "new" guy .490 and .495 was a great start for me, As I gained in education I experimented.

[@robertderry727]

Thanks for sharing,learning a lot from watching your videos

[@Stewart0494]

Thanks for the information. I am just getting into blackpowder, so this was very helpful.

[@BlackPowderTV]

Awesome Stewie! Make sure to watch the other New Shooter videos!

[@winfieldjohnson125]

@@BlackPowderTV Ya, I'm a noob also, this is helping.

[@BlackPowderTV]

Winfield Johnson Awesome. If you have any questions feel free to ask. 👍🏻

[@308dad8]

Hey .490” is 10 thousandths under size for .50 cal. Remember it’s the same to the right of the decimal as it is to the left. First place to the right of the decimal of tenths, second is hundredths, third is thousandths. Thousandths are important for all cartridge loading as cast bullets need to be 1-2 thousandths or more over groove diameter

[@stevensouder6729]

THANKS FOR THE VIDEO....... LEARNING A LOT!

[@kowalski363]

Great video

[@scottschaffer5905]

Glad to see you back, I was wondering where you went low these many weeks. As I'm new to the sport, I'm planning on using a .490 ball with a .010 patch. This is in a 50 caliber percussion sidelock Hawkins Woodsman from Traditions (on a tight budget). How much more do you suggest I go up for maximum thickness? .015 or is even a .020 possible? I'm looking for hunt deer hunting accuracy say around 50 - 100 yards. Thanks for the new to the sport videos, without your guidance we'd all be foundering. As always another great video!

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks Scott. I had family up for a few weeks and that took all my time. I'll be making up for it in the coming weeks. .015 is probably a little thin. .018 or .020 will both work depending on the actual bore diameter. .010 will blow out on you and give you less than ideal accuracy. .018 is where I would start. Thanks again!

[@timwarnecke9889]

Elated to see a new vlog, thanks for what you do!

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks a lot Tim!

[@kevspss]

Calico cloth works as well

[@bavariasuhl]

AllenM told me to use a .562 with .022 ticking on his Bobby Hoyt 58 he built for me. Will be trying this week.

[@BlackPowderTV]

I have had good luck with .562/.022 in some .58s. Ive never gotten good accuracy with that small a ball in any other caliber though.

[@mikemcguire441]

Great video bob. Nice to see you using denim wonder where that came from?

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks Mike. Thems some of Muskrat’s old britches.....

[@geneslodysko6150]

Glad to see you back!!! I was missing my favorite channel!!! Is that you Kettenburg early bucks county in the background?

[@BlackPowderTV]

Thanks Gene! No that’s the new Allen Martin. Eric still has the Early Bucks. I’m going to have to get on him about it.

[@geneslodysko6150]

Looking forward to a gun spotlight!!! What style is it?

[@BlackPowderTV]

Gene Slodysko That’s the John Newcomer inspired Early Lancaster. Ive got a spotlight up on that one already. Is that the one you mean?

[@rogerburrows1797]

I have a .58 Thompson center Hawkin that does not like round ball at all . I've tried .530,.535 and patches .015 and .018 with loads from 50grs up to 100 with just about every combination , using Goex and Pyrodex . I found what works best for ball is the Hornady Great Plains 425 gr hollow point hollow base with 110gr FFF . this gives me a one hole group at 50yds and 1and half inch groups AT 100YDS but Hornady no longer makes this bullet.

[@georgeflutey838]

Roger, sounds like you,ve got a tight twist rifle. Made for mini bullet Thats great accuracy !

[@bavariasuhl]

am seeing one of Eric Ewings ont he wall ....

[@BlackPowderTV]

He’s made me a new shot pouch and I picked up the bag since we last talked. 👍🏻

[@308dad8]

I agree you need a good tight fit of ball and patch to seal rifling but I disagree that you can say arbitrarily that this caliber needs this patch and ball, that one needs that thickness patch and Diameter ball. I have multiple 50 cal muzzleloaders and they each have different preferences. I use .490” balls and patch to make it work.

[@arcticcircleoutdoors3611]

Hi. I just started black powder muzzleloading shooting couple of years ago, and I was wandering if shooters ( in those forums you mentioned) usually mean caliber measured patch thickness instead of compressed thickness that can be measured with micrometer. Could you tell your thoughts about that and how you do it? Is it even necessary to know both? Or just the other method and stick to it? Thank you. Your channel is awesome!

[@BlackPowderTV]

On the American Longrifle Forum most mean compressed when they discuss patching thickness but it depends on the conversation. I use one method, compressed. Thanks!

[@shihanjulio]

What about using 100% cotton t-shirt material for patches ????

[@BlackPowderTV]

They make great cleaning patches but the thin, loosely woven cotton won’t hold up to being used as a patch. The material has to be tightly woven and tough. Think more like blue jeans. 👍🏻

[@stanwilson8089]

In youropinion,is a round patch more accurate than a square patch?

[@BlackPowderTV]

I have used both and haven’t noticed a difference. Whichever you use make it big enough that there is plenty of material to keep the jag from marring the ball. That will make a difference in accuracy.

[@stevenwimmer5002]

Thanks for the information. I would like to make my own patches. Where can you purchase the pillow tick fabric that you cut yourself?

[@BlackPowderTV]

Most online muzzleloading stores have it. October Country does I believe. Lots of folks get it from a JoAnns Fabrics store near them. I buy it at the NMLRA Friendship shoot every year. Take a micrometer with you.

[@stevencunningham4680]

Where have you been Bob ? Today is Sept 12, 2021 and I haven't seen a new video from you in months. What's going on ? You're the best black powder everything on KZbin. Please let's get some new stuff going. I hope everything is going well for you in all respects.

[@BlackPowderTV]

Hey Steve. Cancer snuck up on me. Days after the last video I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. I elected for the surgery and it’s all gone. Just trying to get my head back in the game. Thanks for checking in. 👍🏻

[@stevencunningham4680]

@@BlackPowderTV Hi Bob , I'm sorry to hear about your cancer but I'm glad to hear that it's gone now. Looking forward to seeing new videos soon but no rush.

[@Peter-od7op]

Can you use silk

[@59iner]

Can you use wheel weight lead for just shooting?

[@BlackPowderTV]

Sure but it’s not pure lead so it won’t work well for a tight fitting load. Wheel weights are usually mixed with antimony so it’s very stiff.

[@bavariasuhl]

10oz Bull denim runs 0.022.

[@WOMPITUS]

Need help. What size patch should I use for a 54 cal Buffalo bullet? Or should I use a was??

[@winfieldjohnson125]

If I'm shooting a .69 smoothbore that actually measures .685 at the muzzle I get that I should be using a .675 ball, but, if I use .015 ticking won't that add .030" to the diameter of the ball-patch for a measure of .695" ? That doesn't sound right.......Where am I going wrong?

[@BlackPowderTV]

Winfield Johnson You’re not going wrong. The pillow ticking will compress. That is a good load for a rifle where you have grooves for some of that patching to go into. With a Smoothbore it’s a bit different as you have full surface area and the extra friction that goes along with it. Lube the patch really well. It should work just fine assuming your barrel mics at .685 all the way down. I’d try bare ball first with wadding (green leaves work fine) on top and bottom. If the .01 smaller bare ball falls all the way down the bore it will go down fine with .015 patching. Make sure the bore is clean the first time you ram the patched ball home so you know how easy it will load.

[@nickhenderson7132]

When are you going to cone the barrel of the Kibler Smr.?

[@BlackPowderTV]

Nick Henderson Hey Nick. This week for sure. I had to take a month off for family showing up at the farm. It’s next on the list looking for a nice day. Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest and posted same day. 👍🏻

[@nickhenderson7132]

Awsome just finished my Kibler Smr . Im wanting to do the same to mine but want to see your thoughts.Thanks again love all your vídeos keep them coming

[@BlackPowderTV]

Raining again. Rescheduled for tomorrow.

[@ltdan2809]

could you do crisco or lard to lube your patches?

[@davidtaylor9654]

Why are we not seeing any more videos

[@matthewlyness8161]

I'm using a 50 cal .490 and a.20 patch is that ok 1-48 twist

[@BlackPowderTV]

That's exactly where I would start my load development and adjust from there. I often end up with just that patch ball combo.

[@matthewlyness8161]

It's a Lyman trade rifle I was thinking 70 grains of 2f black powder is that enough do you think or should I go to 80grains

[@brettduffy1992]

I tried soaking my patches in a better 10% ballistol water mixture I let them dry and I do not feel any ballistol left on the patch will they still work my gun recomends .490 bal and .01 patch

[@taylorman1949]

Will a ball shoot true if it isn't engraved with rifleing but surrounded by a thick leather or cotton patch?

[@taylorman1949]

I forgot to ask you, My pillow ticking patches are on fire laying on the ground what is causing this?

[@BlackPowderTV]

It will here and there but not consistently. Without the patch imprinted on the lead at a minimum you won’t get consistent spin.

[@BlackPowderTV]

Typically not enough lube. Try pretty wet. Pillow ticking shouldn’t have much more than singed edges.

[@scottschaffer5905]

Is it possible to use two patches with each shot? I recently got .010 patches to go with my .490 ball in my .50 caliber rifle. As I learned from you i should use .015 to .020.

[@dantankunfiveancestorsfist]

I notice that before actually firing a flintlock or caplock muskets the priming is different for a caplock musket we just prime it using a cap. While for flintlock we have to load the barrel with a certain amount of powder into the barrel and add priming powder onto the pan then fire it. Why is that?

[@kaptein1247]

The sparks outside of the barrel arent enough to ignite the powder in the barrel. Thats why you need a little powder in the pan

[@jeffshadbolt9852]

hi if i use a .495 ball can i use a .015 lubed patch and if not do they have .005 patches and why is there 3 differant kinds of balls //.486//.490//.495

[@billy_h_bonney2097]

reccomend ball and patch for 54 TC Renegade?

[@BlackPowderTV]

.53 balls and .018 patching is always a great place to start on a .54. .535 balls may show a little bit more accuracy but will be tougher to load. 👍🏻

[@billy_h_bonney2097]

@@BlackPowderTV Thank you. I was debating which mold to buy, and I really think the .530 will be easier to load. Maybe Plink with .530 and hunt with .535?

[@BlackPowderTV]

@@billy_h_bonney2097 I think that’s a perfect idea. Test out charges in 5g increments for your best grouping. 👍🏻

[@p38kris]

What about paper patch Minnie balls? Same principle?

[@julianwilliams9088]

Can you just grind the spew off the ball?

[@BlackPowderTV]

You can but it’s a bit of work especially if you shoot a lot. I haven’t been able to pick up any real accuracy no matter what I do with the sprew besides just carefully centering it.

[@dantankunfiveancestorsfist]

Hi Bob, does the type of patch affects accuracy lets say using t-shit or jean material? Thanks

[@BlackPowderTV]

Yes, the patching needs to be tough. More like Jean that tshirt material. Bulk pillow ticking from a fabric store works well. .015 to .02 thickness. Jean material is usually .024 or so and works fine with the right size ball. 👍🏻

[@ericwhitesell3393]

Can you use a cotton ball?

[@BlackPowderTV]

Hey Eric, I haven't found a good use for cotton balls with my muzzleloaders. I suppose you could lube them up and use them for shot wadding but cotton does seem to like to catch fire easily. You can certainly give it a try!

[@lundysden6781]

nice vid. but, have you ever tried to file teeth off a hole saw? about impossible!

[@dantankunfiveancestorsfist]

Hi, a lesson I learn the hard way after satisfactorily shooting my newly bought percussion 50 cal musket rifle while cleaning it in fact I was already on the finishing just lubricating the barrel I was turning the rod in order to better lubricate the bottom part, the jag came off because I was turning it counter clockwise now I can't get it out :( it has a cleaning patch on it. I tried to screw it back into the rod by inserting the rod into the barrel but without traction it won't screw back. Can you advice what I can do? Would tapping powder through the cap nipple touch hole and firing it push the jag out? Thanks

[@BlackPowderTV]

You should remove the breech plug and push it out, but yes, if you remove the nipple, fill the chamber with powder, then replace the nipple, it should push the jag out. Make sure it comes all the way out. 👍🏻

[@dantankunfiveancestorsfist]

@@BlackPowderTV Its a Kentucky 35" barrel musket I haven't taken the barrel off the stock because it has several pins is there a breach plug at the end of the barrel? Thanks

[@BlackPowderTV]

@@dantankunfiveancestorsfist there should be a breech plug than can be twisted off with a wrench. It’s very tight. Some factory guns have a different system so look up how yours works or ask on the muzzleloading forum. Be careful pushing out your pins so you don’t scar the wood.

[@dantankunfiveancestorsfist]

@@BlackPowderTV The breach plug is so super tight can't get it off it as if it is welded or super glued in! Wish they make it like the CVA that can easily be unscrew. I'll have to take it to the gun range and try to fire it out.

[@faxonmclaughlin9993]

Isn't .490 10 thousands smaller than .500

[@mwc286]

You would have to get up two hours early to load your gun before you leave to go hunting doing all that

[@bruceevans56]

You are saying "thousandth" when I think you mean hundredth. .490 inch is one hundredth less than .50, or 10 thousandths.

[@BlackPowderTV]

Oops. Nice catch. Meant to say ten thousandths. Appreciate the correction. Sometimes the old brain doesn’t cooperate. 👍🏻

[@BenG1776]

You said 1 thousandth under bore size... But then you said .490??? That's 10 thousandths...??? .490 sounds right but which did you mean?

[@danielfleming3433]

CALIPERS******