Patch Diameter

[Ravenwolf]

Hello all, I wanted to know what is the ball-park patch diameter, not thickness for a 62, cal. rifled barrel. I am getting ready to make some patch cutters, would be .610 ball. Best to you and yours; Ravenwolf;

[mark esterly]

star a ball and patch material in the muzzle but instaed of cutting the patch mark it all around the muzzle then pull it back out.  you'll have your size 

[Ravenwolf]

Hi, yes that will work, I thought I read on the forum where there is/was a formula? ect, I have a bunch of old hole saws like 1.250 1.312 1.375 1.437 1.500..... I cut my own ticking,  so as I get ready to go to 62 cal. I wanted to decide which one to machine, Maryland season in six days, I can not sleep. Ravenwolf;

[SCLoyalist]

Ball diameter times 2.57 will get you pretty close to a patch the same diameter as if it were cut at the muzzle with a knife.

And, there's nothing wrong with square patches which can be cut out with a straight edge and scissors.

[D. Bowman]

The patch cutter that i use for my 62 is 1&3/8th.

[Daryl]

That's about right - 1 1/4" is probably perfect, with 1 3/8" just fine.  Even 1 1/2" at RB uses will work too. 

For the .58, I use patches cut with a 1 1/8" arch punch.  I've also used those in the .62 smoothbore, but they are getting on the small side & 1 1/4" would be perfect, again.

[Vomitus]

Raven,
 Many of us up here use a tapered bearing race and a 1 7/8"(or larger) ball bearing ball as a precut patch maker. It's real easy to knock off a hundred or more in half an hour.All I do is put the cloth over the race,bearing ball over the cloth and race and a sharp tap with a hammer and voila! I have a cheap 10 or 15 pound anvil as a base for the race and ball. Check an automotive brake or front-end shop.They toss 'em so they're free. I have them(races) from 1 inch to 1 1/2 inch diameters.Machine shops have the large bearing balls.
  After the hunting season is over you might like to give it a try.Works good for me.

[Daryl]

[Bob Roller]

A bit of topic but several years ago at a local gas station,there were some punks trying to make an old man buy them a case of beer.He told them no and to leave him alone. Well,one these brave lads drew back his fist to hit the old fellow and learned quickly and painfully what a devastating weapon one of these big ball bearings wrapped in a stocking was.
Never mess with an old guy,he might take offense and do something about the situation.

Bob Roller

[Vomitus]

    Bob Roller! 

[Vomitus]

   Daryls,
     In your picture,at the top left is a piece of pipe. You gave me a piece of it or similar, suitable for my .50. Got any more that is the next size bigger? Thinking ahead for the 28ga, or .55 cal. The M&G barrel I have is .550.The Getz ,I'm not sure. Sorry Raven.
   Thanx Daryls, for posting the pix. It sure helps with my explanation.cheers

[Daryl]

That's why I posted it, LB- to help with the explanation.  That is my 'quota' of bearings, etc. The large races make good ones for the .62 or .58.
A 1 1/8" arch punch will work well for the little smoothie, or the larger race- whatever. That black material is UHMW = HDPE in the states.  Redwood Plastics will sell you a block like that for about $10.00 - or trade one for a box of suds on Friday.

[zimmerstutzen]

  I would have to be at least 1/2 the circumference.  ie 1/2 x .62 x 3.1417.  To equal the same diameter as a ball pushed down just inside the muzzle and then the patch cut off, add .62       

So the formula would be       (caliber x 3.1417 x .5) +caliber=patch diameter

 to shorten the formula take 2.6 x caliber