Points well made and taken, Dan. The video was good, along with the intro- pre-pictures. I-too load like that just to prove it can be done with a good crown. It is easier with a larger than 3/8" rod, though. I do like a bit more polish on the corners of the lands and bottom of the grooves than yours. It's even easier to start the ball.
Lost my starter once on a 'Seneca Run' - trouble is I was shooting the .45 Bauska with .448" bore and .028" rifling depth = .504" groove depth. I was shooting a .457" ball with .022" denim patch. Of course, this slowed my 'run', but I still managed a second or third. The ball was .009" LARGER than the bore plus a .022" patch. 3/8" hickory rod- I had to be careful - but do it quickly.
We wonder why people can't load a ball .005" under, with a .020" patch - as you have shown, without a starter, let alone with one.
Too - those who need to load without a starter as it adds a step in loading, but have to use a wad between powder and patched ball to help save the patch and form a seal, which in itself adds a step in the loading - does not compute. Save a step but add a step?
The rest of the story.
Took several takes to get it on video. I had loaded the rifle the first time with powder planning to get out and shoot it this PM.
But the son did not get the first take. My little digital can be a PITA and I had not properly instructed.
I pulled the ball then handed him the gun to go to the shop for another for sure 535 new from the box.
While gone he dumped the powder having forgotten it had powder in it, I then loaded the thing with no powder but got a good take.
Pulled the ball and then simply flushed it with a bunch of wd-40 through the vent to wash the powder out. Then set it muzzle down to drain out the last of the WD40.
Go to the computer and its just not going to work. Decide its too big a file so I try to take a smaller one by setting the resolution down on the camera. (Ha!)
Now I cannot get a ball in the thing 3-4 tries. Now I have shot 530-535s interchangeably for about 20 years just as I am loading this so I am WTFO?
![Huh ???](https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/Smileys/default/huh.gif)
?
Finally get one down and it runs down tight loose tight loose like its going down a bore with tight spots. Looks bad on video and is not typical.
Pull ball.
Next one loads fine. Checked ball and patch before loading too, still just under .021 and .535.
It MUST be something in the WD40 that caused this. Perhaps some reaction with the neatsfoot oil?
![Huh ???](https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/Smileys/default/huh.gif)
I came close to wondering it I should just write off the entire thing. The bore had been stored with G-96 which is silicone based. The first and second ball loaded normally after wiping the bore out 2-3 dry patches. I have loaded perfectly dry bore (degreased with alcohol) with the same components and no trouble.
What would cause this I have no idea. Has to be something in the WD 40. The solvents maybe? I not dry patch it before putting in the ball since I was going to pull it anyway.
Last video is the same size but I got it on the site OK(?) Figures...
Dan