Thanks guys - now I know why I see patch pullers in catalogues. The "slotted tip" I referred to is the one that was in the .50 cleaning kit I had picked up. You know the kind - 3 piece cleaning rod with handle, plastic jag with slot, bore cleaner/solvent/ rust preventative, patches. Sounds like your method takes away any doubt as to getting a snug fit when swabbing the bore.