A .50 Cal Ball In A .54?

[GunCat]

Way back when we were shooting a novelty type match. One target had everyone drop a ball into a bag, then randomly draw a ball from the bag to use on a target. Those drawing a too small ball used multiple patches, those drawing a too big ball used a nearby anvil and hammer to swage down the diameter (into an elongated shape). Several scored a hit. (Not me....IIRC I was shooting a .75 Bess and drew a .36 or .40 ball)

 

[roundballman]

When shooting 375 balls in my 40 caliber I use a thick denim patch and a buffer (cream of wheat) over the powder charge. The buffered load shoots better for me.