ramming ball and patch

[dougblack]

I am new to flintlocks.  Can anyone tell me why after three firings I find it very difficult to ram a ball and patch?  I have a .45 caliber longrifle.

[smylee grouch]

Sounds like a dirty bore. What ball/patch/lube combo are you using?

[rich pierce]

Agree, ball, patch and lube matter. If your combo is not tight enough and slippery enough to push all the fouling down when you load, fouling buildup will increase in the bore with every shot. Took me awhile to try and believe that a tighter combo is easier and better.

[smylee grouch]

Yes it should load better with the right combo but your accuracy will most likely be far better too. Welcome to the forum BTW. 

[Daryl]

I am new to flintlocks.  Can anyone tell me why after three firings I find it very difficult to ram a ball and patch?  I have a .45 caliber longrifle.

Welcome to the forum, Doug Black.  The guys here have a good handle on this game.

Rich is spot-on.

[hanshi]

Welcome, Doug Black.  You can, of course, swab between shots until you find a good load; then you won't have to.  Smooth the barrel crown with thumb and sandpaper first.  TOW mink oil and Hoppes #9 BP Lube are great for this.  Usually the thicker the patches the more easily the prb goes down. 

[Daryl]