Loading block basics?

[Timber]

Is there a spot here for newbies that shows general basics? That may save me from asking simple questions?

Gonnaake a loading block for the .54.
Type of wood mattter? Size and thickness?
Thanks
Timber

 

[Eric Krewson]

I like harder wood but anything will work, I have made them out of walnut, cherry and osage because I have a lot of each.

The ball thickness will determine the board thickness, I like mine at or near the ball diameter, I start the balls in the block with a ball starter and have the ball slightly protruding out the other side.

Here is a drill chart for each caliber, you don't have to have a 35/64 bit to make a .54 block, I suspect you could use a 1/2" bit and sand the openings to fit.

I have a lot of .54s so I bought the 35/64 bit, even with the bit you may have to sand the hole to enlarge it a little to fit your choice of patch and ball in the hole

 

[freedom475]

I prefer leather.....here is my little turtle.

2 layers of very thick saddle skirting.

Once I made a loading block out of red oak and it chipped pretty badly between the holes.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I've never seen a leather loading block. That is awesome.

 

[2 shots]

turtle would go great with one of cutfingers turtle bags.

 

[Pietro]

Just make sure the holes are large enough to accept a lube patched RB, pressed in lightly.

Since my guns have an under rib that extends to the muzzle, I inlet the bottom side of each hole 1/16" to accept the muzzle.

 

[freedom475]

turtle would go great with one of cutfingers turtle bags.

I think I recall cutfingers actually selling load blocks made from leather...Maybe?

 

[Montgomery]

love the leather one!

 

[Packrat]

I LOVE anything TURTLE

 

[Anvilboy]

I like to make mine like Pietro. The larger recess fits over the end of the barrel and the ball is then perfectly centered over the bore. Nice work!

 

[Timber Wolf]

I’ve made a few and the chart diameters did not work for me, holes ended up larger. I used some scrap Oak flooring and it worked well. I want to make some more and get a little fancy with the boards. My first ones were straight boards and while they work fine are not very artistic. Good luck.

 

[hanshi]

Never thought about making them from leather but it looks like a great idea to me. I've made cappers out of leather so I'd bet I could do it for a ball board.

 

[TDM]

You can make different shapes and sizes to your hearts content. This is mine for .50’s. I copied the bottom cutouts from @Pietro and they work great.

 

[ohio ramrod]

I put a large champher on one side to ease the loading. You want a fit that is tight enough to hold the ball but not overly tight.