Ball size for Rice 10 Guage

[James]

What size ball would be used with patch from a smoothbore of this size? I got it for turkey and while I don't figure on using it with ball all that much, but would like to have that option. So I want to order a mold and don't know what size I need. Thanks, Jim

[bob in the woods]

I have a .715 and a .735 mold  .  I have used the .715 the most lately since I like paper cartridges and that size seems to shoot very well for me.  If I were you, I would order some different sizes of balls from Track of the Wolf    or elsewhere and see which shoots best for you. Then you can buy a mold.  I no longer use a patch when shooting round balls in my smoothbore. Cartridges or wadding works best for me.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Bob's experience echoes my own, except that I used the .735" ball and a .030" patch in my TRS 1st Model Bess, with excellent results.  I has a .77 cal bore, BTW.

[smallpatch]

A .750 ball, works great in all three that I've built. Will be much more accurate than you think.

[James]

Thanks for your help.

A .750 ball, works great in all three that I've built. Will be much more accurate than you think.

With a ball that size you only have to get close right?   

[WadePatton]

Thanks for your help.

A .750 ball, works great in all three that I've built. Will be much more accurate than you think.

With a ball that size you only have to get close right?   

19mm (in modern currency)  that's phat. 

[Rootsy]

Thanks for your help.

A .750 ball, works great in all three that I've built. Will be much more accurate than you think.

With a ball that size you only have to get close right?  

19mm (in modern currency)  that's phat.  

19.05 to be "exact"... 

[Daryl]

Taylor used a .735" Lyman ball with a .030" patch in his 10 bore Bess - until I loaned him my Tanner .740" mould, then he used that - same patch.