Every body has thier own little way of cleaning between shots ,wet patch -dry patch etc what is your way ?? I am just trying to learn a little more about smoke poles .
In my inline rifles that shoot a 209 primer I make a swab solution 50/50 out of isopropyl alcohol 91% and car windshield washer fluid. Dampen not soak your patch. Then with a cleaning jag, start working that patch down the barrel in 3-4 inch spurts, getting deeper into the barrel as you go. When you get to the bottom you might feel a crud ring, just work the patch good over that area and it will disappear. Then bring the patch back out of the barrel, again with short strokes. This help to keep the patch from getting stuck. After the wet patch then run two dry patches through the barrel to make sure the bore is nice and dry. I do this after every shot if working up a load.
In a traditional rifle I do the same routine except I use just isopropyl alcohol without the wind shield washer fluid mixed in. This help to stop hang fires and misfires from swabbing with the wrong mix.
Some rifles I do not need to swab at all. It all depends on the projectile and powder I am shooting.
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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, a total wreck, screaming Yahoo, with a big smile on your face."
Depends on what powder you are using and weather you are hunting or not.
Pyrodex damp patch the a dry patch every 3rd shot
777 two damp patchs and a dry every shot
APP never clean when get home
Just a sample
Lee
I swab after every shot at the range, that way the bore will be about the same as when I shoot in the field hunting. If I were hunting and needed to make a quick second shot, and in the timber I hunt you very seldom will ever get a second shot, but if I need a quick second shot no swab just reload...
I am a plain "keep it simple stupid" type guy so I just use reuglar windex. At the range I have patches already made up and stored in a (no laughing) a Tuck jar - one of the short ones. They can stay in that container for months and still be just right. The key to patching between shots is not to have a wet patch! You need just a damp patch the dryer it is, but moist enough to collect fouling, the better. When you patch make sure you patch with short quick stokes until you get to the bottom...
Hunting, I just use, another KISS principle, a spit patch. Lay the patch on your tongue and get it moist - doesn't take much...
good luck... I recommend patching, especially if you are shooting sabots...
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Keep on Shooting Muzzleloaders they are a Blast
I normally swab every2 orso shots depending on how dirty it gets to load. I use TC's bore cleaner and run a wet followed by a dry patch. Make sure you only run wet patches through first or you won't be able to get it back out. Here's a tip. If you do get it stuck, pour some solvent down the barrel and it will come out. I had to get several stuck beforeI found that out.
For the record,I have loaded my ML 30 times without swabbing and haven't had problems. It will affect accuracy and loading to not swab but it's not mandatory. Just thought I'd let you know.
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Browning BPS shotgun, Browning Rage One bow, TC Omega muzzleloader, Ruger Super Redhawk .44 mag pistol, Gamo Shadow 1000 pellet gun, Winchester Model 12 pump shotgun
For the record,I have loaded my ML 30 times without swabbing and haven't had problems. It will affect accuracy and loading to not swab but it's not mandatory. Just thought I'd let you know.
Straight from my manual:
Important: When using propellants that are sulfur free (Triple 7, Pioneer Powder, etc.), it is recommended that the bore be swabbed with a wet patch between every shot. Pay particular attention to the area of the bore where the bullet seats, as fouling buildup is heaviest in this area. This procedure is necessary to remove any excees fouling that could potentially lead to short starting of the bullet.
Important: When using propellants that are sulfur free (Triple 7, Pioneer Powder, etc.), it is recommended that the bore be swabbed with a wet patch between every shot. Pay particular attention to the area of the bore where the bullet seats, as fouling buildup is heaviest in this area. This procedure is necessary to remove any excees fouling that could potentially lead to short starting of the bullet.
Abosolutely true IF you are getting the "crud ring or the associated fouling" - if you are not then it may not always be necessary. With the White Ultra Mag I think I could load all day and never swab a shot. I have not done this but there really is no difference in it after 5 shots which I have done. The point is you had better make sure the bullet is seating on the powder.
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Keep on Shooting Muzzleloaders they are a Blast
swabbing between shots
