Here is another question related to grouping problems with my Hawkens.

I am shooting:
.50 cal InvestArms Hawkens, 1:48 twist, bore 0.526"
0.020" patch, 0.490" Rem. premier golden lead ball, 80 grains pyrodex

After taking a shot, I have found that my shooting patch has a hole blown through the middle of it and I am wondering what the cause could be. I have a muzzleloader book that says that this is a "big problem", then follows with "it is up to the shooter to determine the problem" (not much help!).

Can anyone tell me what the causes of ahole blown through a patch, and suggestions about what the problem could be? Under ideal conditions, should the fired patch be intact (no holes in it)?

Thanks,
Rick C.