round ball patches

[bluecarpenter]

Is there some reason why all the patches I ever see out there for RB are round. I've found some 100 percent cotton muslin that is
.010 thick. The .010 patches work better in my 50 cal T/C and I am wanting to make my own. At least be able to make my own if I run out of store bought patches.
Can I make them square or do I have to make them round. If they have to be round any suggestions on a die for making round ones. Possibly 1 1/4" pipe ground to an edge??
Your thoughts please.

thanks mark

 

[Rebel]

Square patches work just fine.

 

[roundball]

Ditto what Rebel said...not worth the trouble just to make them round when square works perfectly, and are easier/faster to make

 

[Black Hand]

Rip to width and cut into squares with scissors. Place in a tin, squeeze lube onto the patches and heat in a toaster oven until well impregnated. You can make quite a few in 15 minutes.

 

[Blizzard of '93]

Yep, square does fine. If you use a loading block you could trim the patch after you press the PRB into it.

 

[Dave Rosenthal]

Square works fine! Just don't go super-duper on the size...you don't want to "hang-up" on a bore sized jag if you use the same patches for cleaning or lubing after the ball is seated!

Have a good time making smoke!!

Dave

 

[Firelock]

After you dab some lube on your strips, fold them over, place them in an plastic bag and put them in the micro-wave for 15 to 20 seconds. I use bear grease and bees-wax in both my smooth bores and rifles. Shoot straight :thumbsup: Firelock