.358” Round balls for a .36 gun?

[PathfinderNC]

Are .358” round ball used in .36 caliber Muzzleloaders, or is it too large?
I have a .36 and shoot a .350 but they need thick denim for patching. Can’t find .355 and see the .358” offered in various stores. Not sure and don’t want to buy what will not work.
Thanks

 

[ADK Bigfoot]

My .36 rifle likes .360 round balls. It has also shot .358 round balls, and .355, while .350 has never been the most accurate. Ball/patch combo is more important than either separately. Try them and see for yourself.

ADK Bigfoot

 

[ghostdncr]

I've found most rifles can be made to shoot well using reasonably odd-sized balls if an appropriate patch can be found. Several years ago I was having really good luck with a .56 smoothbore using .54 cal (.530") balls and a heavier denim patch. I'll second ADK Bigfoot's comment that the ball/patch COMBO is more important than either separately. I also tend to shoot the loosest pall/patch combo that will give me acceptable accuracy, thus tend to keep an assortment of various patch materials on hand. I've had several squirrel rifles that shot great using a spit patch cut from a thin T-shirt. I'd order those .358's and plan on using a thinner patch.

 

[user 48679]

I would respectfully suggest actually measuring your bore.

Various pistol and rifle .36 bores are different from each other.

My Uberti .36 C&B takes .375" balls
My T/C .36 Seneca rifle takes .358" balls
My H&A .36 U/H rifle has a tight bore that won't take a ball over .350".

.

 

[PathfinderNC]

I would respectfully suggest actually measuring your bore.

Various pistol and rifle .36 bores are different from each other.

My Uberti .36 C&B takes .375" balls
My T/C .36 Seneca rifle takes .358" balls
My H&A .36 U/H rifle has a tight bore that won't take a ball over .350".

.

That’s a good idea, actually!

 

[Bassdog1]

I always try and shoot .005 under bore with small caliber guns. All of my 32s shoot .315s very well Like you I could never find a .355 ball for my 36s and I use a thick patch with a .350 ball which works very well. If I were you and could get my hands on some .358s I would definitely try them. I like using the thinnest possible patch that performs well with the heaviest ball for caliber possible.