Missing entire target on 3rd shot

[Leatherbark]

If your paper target is loosely attached to a piece of cardboard then look at the two bullet holes in the cardboard from behind. What looks like two holes in the loose paper might reveal an oblong third shot in one of the other two. You can tell better from behind the cardboard as to whether the third shot might have went through one of the other two.

Bob

[Dphariss]

I was checking the sights on my Bill Large .54 Hawken on Monday. I shot 3 rds. at 50 yds. into a satisfactory group.  ( 50 grs. 3f swiss, pillow tick patch cut at muzzle ( .021" ) .530 " round ball, Hoppes #9+ lube.  Went to 75 Yds., increased same powder to 55 grs. and first two shots were dead on to point of aim.  The 3rd shot didn't even hit the 4'X5' board holding the target. Don't know where it went. I fired another and it hit approximately 5" left of aiming point.  The 5th shot was back in the first two's group.  I found all patches ( which were in good shape ) EXCEPT  # 3.  My question is it probable or possible the patch stuck to # 3 and caused the shot to go off of the target and backboard ?  I've not experienced this before and hope some of you can offer an explanation. I had no spotter to help so couldn't see where # 3 went.  Thanks

I gave up on blue stipe ticking a few years back. Its all coming from the wrong side of the ocean and much of it is too weak for patching now. I find heavy linen at fabric-store<dot> com and use that. I bought some buff colored denim a couple of years ago at Jo Annes that appeared perfect but would not shoot accurately in two different rifles.
THe chances of a patch sticking to the ball is so remote as to be “unlikely”
Try tearing the ticking down the stripe and see if it tears easily. If it does its useless.

[Dphariss]

If your paper target is loosely attached to a piece of cardboard then look at the two bullet holes in the cardboard from behind. What looks like two holes in the loose paper might reveal an oblong third shot in one of the other two. You can tell better from behind the cardboard as to whether the third shot might have went through one of the other two.

Bob

This is another possiblity. Lay the target flat on a hard surface and look carefully at the entry and see it the lead marks on the paper are a little “off” and of course check the shape of the hole as Bob states.

[Bob Roller]

Will a .535 ball slip into the muzzle end without a patch? When it comes to barrels, this is my first test don't care what caliber the barrel is.
I have found time and time again, just go with the ball that just fits the bore first. Then patch up from there

Sounds like an old Spanish copy of an S&W pistol that was marked,"Use the cartridge that best fits the  pistol"
I tend to agree with the idea of the ball passing thru a previously shot hole.
Bob Roller

[Sharpsman]

My .54 Hawken flint never sees less than 100 grains 2F powder when I shoot and never had a problem with the RB not going where I wanted them to be!