Round Ball & Patch Sizing
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 84
Round Ball & Patch Sizing
As some of you may remember I recently bought a Thompon Renegade in .54 cal with a Douglas barrel. I have read through many posts and do understand that it will need to be tested to find the right combo of patch size, round ball size and powder. I have measured the bore at the muzzle and it came in right at .540. My thoughts are that a .535 round ball and .018 pillow ticking might be the best place to start but would like your thoughts.
Still trying to decide between black powder, pyrodex or 777 also.
Thank you
Mark
Still trying to decide between black powder, pyrodex or 777 also.
Thank you
Mark
#4
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,425
I'd go with a .530 ball and try .015 and .018 patches...
Stick with either real black powder or Pyrodex RS...Some have had problems with 777 burning through patches...I have used 80grs FFF Goex behind a .530 ball for a few decades on deer with no problems...
Stick with either real black powder or Pyrodex RS...Some have had problems with 777 burning through patches...I have used 80grs FFF Goex behind a .530 ball for a few decades on deer with no problems...
#5
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,922
777 has never burned thru my .018 yellow prelubed pillow ticking patches. Many looked reuseable after picking them up off the ground and that was using the hotter-still FFF 777.
Like most others have stated here, I'm in the same group that believe you are probably looking at a .530 ball and either .015 linen or .018 pillow ticking.
What powder?..... I use real blackpowder these days...... Schuetzen or Goex FFF. I got tired of seized nipples and seized cleanout screws from 777.
Like most others have stated here, I'm in the same group that believe you are probably looking at a .530 ball and either .015 linen or .018 pillow ticking.
What powder?..... I use real blackpowder these days...... Schuetzen or Goex FFF. I got tired of seized nipples and seized cleanout screws from 777.
Last edited by Triple Se7en; 02-28-2015 at 10:01 AM.
#6
Typical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: The "empire" state-NY
Posts: 583
...says Triple Se7en!
Got any pics of that Shenandoah?
OP- when I had a .54 Renegade I couldn't find anything bigger than .530 ball locally, patched with .015 it was accurate.
What twist is your barrel?
Last edited by ModernPrimitive; 02-28-2015 at 01:18 PM.
#7
I can only mention that in my 4 Renegades, never go to the bigger ball. I purchased a mold to cast .530 and .535 ball. I learned quickly, even with a .015 patch that the .535 was way too tight. The ones I loaded I had to basically drive them down the barrel onto the powder with a mallet.. so I could shoot them off and then never tried again. But the .535 do shoot well in a Lyman, Cabela's Investarms .54 rifle.
I would go with the .530 ball and that .018 patch. It will load real snug and shoot just fine.
I would go with the .530 ball and that .018 patch. It will load real snug and shoot just fine.
#8
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,922
My screen name here came on-board around 11 years ago, when I used 777. I do not believe I have an option to change it.
#10
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,922
The powder performed flawlessly. I had no compalints about ignition, power and speeds.
Here's a store pic of the Shenandoah.
http://media.midwayusa.com/productim...669/669614.jpg
Here's a store pic of the Shenandoah.
http://media.midwayusa.com/productim...669/669614.jpg