Loading Blocks for patched round balls

[Snake Pleskin]

One of mine , .50 cal !

Nice job!

 

[totonap]

They are really easy to make, the sky is the limit on design, just about any piece of scrap wood will work.

Here is the drill bit size chart, you can use any bit that is close to these sizes and adjust the hole to be bigger with a file or piece of sand paper. I have a number of .54s so I bought the bit listed on the chart but it isn't completely necessary.

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These are fun to make and before long all your friends will be overstocked with them as well from the ones you gave them.

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Thank you for those bit size's. I'm going to make me one.

 

[Pukka Bundook]

I use an axe to make mine.
Holes can be burned in with a hot iron rod, or enlarged that way. gets away from factory look!

 

[Rod Man]

I use an axe to make mine.
Holes can be burned in with a hot iron rod, or enlarged that way. gets away from factory look!

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You just gave me an idea!

RM

 

[Grimord]

Here are some ball blocks I have made.

 

[Rod Man]

^ I forgot about your stuff. Sorry about that, good stuff!

RM

 

[golden sky]

Thank you for those bit size's. I'm going to make me one.

unless you have a taper reamer to sneak up on the hole size, your patch and ball won't fit the block for a 50 cal using 1/2" bit
this is the drill i needed to fit a patch and ball for my 50 block
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0033AYVCM?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

[ohio ramrod]

While most people do not have a tapered reamer handy, You can make one that will work in wood by simple tapering a dowel rod and glueing a course sandpaper on to it.

 

[golden sky]

probably get good results with sandpaper and a .495 drill bit for a precise fit, I wonder if my 50 cal coning tool would do the same..?

 

[totonap]

unless you have a taper reamer to sneak up on the hole size, your patch and ball won't fit the block for a 50 cal using 1/2" bit
this is the drill i needed to fit a patch and ball for my 50 block
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0033AYVCM?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Thanks for the info, I am making one for .32. do I still need a tapered reamer or just the drill bit

 

[golden sky]

just glue sandpaper to either the .315-.320 drill bit. start with 100 grit

 

[Kansas Jake]

You could use the old redneck method and waller out the hole a little by wobbling the bit side to side around the hole while turning the bit.

 

[BlazingIron]

So do these ball blocks now qualify as a “high capacity” magazine? All kidding aside thise are some really nice blocks ya’ll have made.

 

[golden sky]

You could use the old redneck method and waller out the hole a little by wobbling the bit side to side around the hole while turning the bit.

yeah but its too easy to remove too much material, that the balls fall out easily. use the back end of a drill you just bored it out with, then add sandpaper and sand to size.. you guys will figure it out

 

[oldwood]

Patched Ball quick loader boards are darn fun to make , and make right good presents for your friends. You can get crazy on the decoration and design , as well as the type of wood.

 

[7of7]

So do these ball blocks now qualify as a “high capacity” magazine? All kidding aside thise are some really nice blocks ya’ll have made.

Only if they hold more than ten ‘rounds’ lol

 

[Rifleman1776]

I use an axe to make mine.
Holes can be burned in with a hot iron rod, or enlarged that way. gets away from factory look!

View attachment 154269

That looks well used and loved.

 

[Pukka Bundook]

Rifleman,
yes, well used.
the little crosses are for critters bagged. Deer and such on the face, and crosses on sides for smaller stuff like beaver sized.

I remember grandad burning holes in wood when he didn't have a drill the right size.
Just don't do it in the kitchen unless you live on your ownesome!

 

[beardedhorse]

Any bit size suggested for .715 round ball? My first bullet block was inlet on one side to slide over the 13/16ths octagon flats on the .45 Douglas barrel. Even with a 42" barrel and pre loaded powder tubes I could load and shoot one shot every 15 seconds. No short starter was used. The rifle was caplock.

 

[golden sky]

Any bit size suggested for .715 round ball? My first bullet block was inlet on one side to slide over the 13/16ths octagon flats on the .45 Douglas barrel. Even with a 42" barrel and pre loaded powder tubes I could load and shoot one shot every 15 seconds. No short starter was used. The rifle was caplock.

harbor freight has a cheapo taper reamer, might get close enough to hold the balls in