Do you match your jag to patch cloth thickness

[Bluesmoke]

Our jags are matched to the particular rifle  ball patch thickness to ensure a proper cleaning between shots in paper target matches.

I have seen broken brass  threads when people try to pull jammed loads using brass threaded jags.

We go a step further and use  a male threaded 10x 32 stainless steel range rods and and brass female threaded jags.

Is there anybody else who has done the same?

[P.W.Berkuta]

My jags are matched to my "end-of-day" cleaning patches. At the range I wipe between shots with a slightly thinner patch (same jag). I make my brass  jags with steel 10-32 screws. My range rods are either steel or stainless steel .

[Hungry Horse]

 This sounds like yet another fun sucking project that one can waste their time on, when you could be at the range figuring out how your gun works. JMO.

     Hungry Horse

[WadePatton]

No, I don't use jags or cleaning patches.

[rich pierce]

No, I don't use jags or cleaning patches.

Sounds like we have taken a similar path.  I confess to having a distaste for jags since discovering worms and tow.

[Bluesmoke]

Sorry there had a bit of a brain @$#% there, post title should have read "cleaning patches"

OK , you don't happen to clean with a patch between between between shots ,that just fine, but I do.

I am basically a paper target shooter with an occasional rendezvous thrown in for fun.

I respect your choice.Please respect mine. The fun for me is improvement by adjusting one variable at a time. It is ongoing improvement.
 
I am working towards putting 5 x .54 cal balls in an 1 group on a 50 meter target ,offhand.

Wiping between shots is part of my regimen and I was seeking to know if others  use a cleaning patch that is sufficiently tight to remove between shot fouling and promote good accuracy.

I know enough about shooting these rifles to notice when accuracy drops when the jag become worn and does not provide enough pressure on the cleaner patch to clean the rifling out.

Please enlighten me about tow,about what it is and how it is used. I have not encountered it in my years of shooting. I like to keep an open mind on all things pertaining to making my smokepole go  bang!

[rich pierce]

Blue smoke, I apologize if I offended.  You are right, the jag and cleaning patch must match well or it will get stuck or not clean efficiently.  So I would pick my patch cloth supply and then adjust the jag as needed.  If too tight, turn the jag down a bit using the "hand drill lathe technique". Chuck the jag in a drill and use a file to reduce the diameter a couple thousandths of an inch with a file.

I am not sure our ancestors cleaned between shots in the field; certainly not in warfare, but I completely understand many folks do for accuracy when match shooting, target shooting etc.  That may be where the jag and cleaning patch method work best.

Colonials used a tow worm and tow to clean their rifles or muskets after the days shooting was done.  Tow is leftover short flax fibers.  Flax is a plant that yields long and strong fibers used to make linen thread and clothing.  Many colonial farms had a flax patch and would prepare the flax for spinning.  Leftover junky short fibers were great for tinder or wrapping around a "worm" which attached to the ramrod, and cleaning the bore.  Look up "tow worm" and you will see it is like a jag at the base but has two twisted prongs. The tow is skewered and twisted around the prongs and holds well.  Tow is scratchy and will conform to the rifling grooves.  It cleans well.

The other advantage of a tow worm in an extended hunt situation is that any plant fiber material could be used for cleaning a smoothie or rifle.

Use what is working for you!

[Bluesmoke]

Rich,
No worries,mate!

I know it can get mega boring with new people asking questions you have answered 20 times before.
I understand  people sometimes only put few details in a post and its like pulling teeth to get information from them that you need to answer their original question. I should have mentioned I have a lathe and can afford to experiment.I know many do not and with my background should have thought about that.

I try to look through the past post and search for things before I post questions.Sometimes I can get close but often times not right on what I seek.

I too am a moderator on an Aussie forum and understand some of the frustrations that go with it.


Even if one got paid it would be a big job

Have a good one

Grahame

[Nate McKenzie]

Linen tow and tow worm is the way to go.  http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=24312.0

[Maven]

"We go a step further and use  a male threaded 10x 32 stainless steel range rods and and brass female threaded jags.
Is there anybody else who has done the same?"

Blue Smoke, On occasion, when the work hardened brass threaded shank breaks off, I replace it with a 10-32 male thread bolt as well.  Having neither a drill press nor lathe makes this a bit dicey, but if I'm careful, I can save the jag.  When I buy jags, I always look for a steel rather than brass thread.  However, I don't typically fit the jag to the [cleaning] patch.  Once in a while, I get one that's a tad oversize, which I then reduce with a file and/or sandpaper.

As for tow + a tow worm, I have the former, and maybe will purchase the latter, but at present a 100% cotton flannel patch on an appropriate jag works for me.