Diameter of Precut Patches

[Nhgrants]

For those of you who Precut your patches for a 54 caliber ball, what diameter are making the patches?
I was thinking 1" or 1 1/8".  Thanks

[WadePatton]

If I was going to do that, I'd just measure a muzzle-cut patch, and maybe make them a little bit bigger to compensate for imperfect centering.  Or measure the hole in the patch material.

I know someone will come along with a measurement soon enough, but in case they don't.

[smylee grouch]

For 54 cal-1&1/8 is too small. Wade has the right idea, save a cut at the muzzle patch and add a little. I have had some luck finding used hole saws at thrift/pawn shops to make into patch cutters. Just my way of doing the job.   

[MuskratMike]

I have always used precut and pre-oiled patches in both my .54 rifle and pistol. They are 1 3/8 inches. My dear wife is kind enough to cut them into squares with her rotary cutter. I then nip the corners to make octagon shaped patch. Doesn't help or hurt in loading or accuracy I'm just liking them that way. Just before I go shooting I hang as many patches as I think I'll need from a small wire on my bag. No fussing around for patches and quicker than cutting at the muzzle (both are historically correct).
If it works for the 'ol "Muskrat" it will work for you!

[Bigmon]

I mark mine with a circle template and then sit and sloooowly cut them round.  My friend cuts or tears his square, and shoots my pants off all the time!   Been using 1 1/4" dia for 54.

[OldMtnMan]

I mark mine with a circle template and then sit and sloooowly cut them round.  My friend cuts or tears his square, and shoots my pants off all the time!   Been using 1 1/4" dia for 54.

It must be embarrassing for your pants to fall off at a shoot.

[EC121]

I do what Mike does.  Cut them square and cut the corners.  A rolling cutter works well.  Tried the drill press cutter but there was too much waste for me.  I bought some pre-cuts and measured them.  Then made mine a little larger.  I can use the rolling cutter and mat on the kitchen table in the air conditioning. 

[Tim Ault]

I also square cut mine and just shootem as is

[longcruise]

If I was going to do that, I'd just measure a muzzle-cut patch, and maybe make them a little bit bigger to compensate for imperfect centering.  Or measure the hole in the patch material.

I know someone will come along with a measurement soon enough, but in case they don't.

Do that.   Then consider, given the hassle of cutting nice round patches, just continue cutting each one at the muzzle. 

[Ugly Old Guy]

I've never measured the T/C brand pre-lubed patches (allegedly for .50 and .54 caliber) I have for my .54 T/C Hawken.

All I can say is they are "Too Big". Half the size would probably be sufficient. There is no reason for the patch to cover 100% of the ball, with excess material bunched up on the top of the ball.
I would not be surprised of these patches are properly sized for a .75 caliber.

I'll be getting smaller patches before I head to the range again.

[smylee grouch]

I like my pre cut patches to come up past the equator of the ball but not over the top if I can center them when loading but that sometimes is hard to do when your fingers are greasy, cold or in a hurry or your working with a small cal. ball.

[longcruise]

So, the circumference of a 54 ball is 1.7".  Looks like 1.6 or 1.7 wide patches would work with a 54 and probably just fine with a 50 with it's 1.57 circumference.

[Daryl]

I use patches cut with a 1 1/2" arch punch in my .69 & 20 bore. They are larger than needed in anything smaller.
Seems to me, my 1 1/8" arch punch was what I used in the .58 down to .50 cal.

[John SMOthermon]

1 1/4” arch punch works well in my .54 and .50 as well.

[ScottH]

I use a one and five sixteenths Osbourne arch punch.
It is exactly the size of pre cuts that you buy from places like Track of the Wolf.

[Nhgrants]

Thanks all, I cut a bunch at 1 1/4 and will see how the work.
Also I have 535 mold coming. Hoping that will tighten the groupng up a little.