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Author Topic: What size ball  (Read 1652 times)

Offline walt53

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What size ball
« on: November 22, 2022, 02:20:37 AM »
Hi all I was wondering what size of ball ( or close proximity) to try in 20gauge smoothly.Ive measured the bore and it appears to be .610 .I would like to try patch and ball ,as I have 15,18 ,@ 20 tho patch   Matierals to try in it.thanks in advance. Walt
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Offline Chocktaw Brave

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Re: What size ball
« Reply #1 on: November 22, 2022, 03:26:26 AM »
Lee makes a .600 round ball mould. Would give some room for patching.
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Offline martin9

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Re: What size ball
« Reply #2 on: November 22, 2022, 03:47:10 AM »
.600 will only give you room for a very thin patch. I shoot a .595 bare ball with a thin overshot card on top of it out of my 20 smoothbore.
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Offline bigsmoke

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Re: What size ball
« Reply #3 on: November 22, 2022, 03:59:48 AM »
I think i have some .595's and some .600's in my closet.
Send me your address and I can send you a dozen or so of each to try.
The balls will be free, the postage will not be.  I am thinking it will be about $10.00 for a flat rate Priority Box.
John (Bigsmoke)
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Offline Daryl

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Re: What size ball
« Reply #4 on: November 22, 2022, 04:05:14 AM »
.580 or .590 would work for me, in that barrel. I would likely use a 10 OUNCE denim patch. They measure .021" compressed in calipers.
I use a .595" ball from a Tanner mould, in a .615" 20 gauge smoothbore.

edited to correct ball sizes.
« Last Edit: November 22, 2022, 06:43:19 AM by Daryl »
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Daryl

"a gun without hammers is like a spaniel without ears" King George V

Online smylee grouch

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Re: What size ball
« Reply #5 on: November 22, 2022, 04:42:18 AM »
Years ago I had a 20 bore NWG and shot a 575 in it. Heavey patch (23/1000) lubed with bear oil. It shot ragged one hole groups at 25 yds. off the bags.
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Online Pukka Bundook

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Re: What size ball
« Reply #6 on: November 22, 2022, 05:44:15 AM »
Quote from: Daryl on November 22, 2022, 04:05:14 AM
.680 or .690 would work for me, in that barrel. I would likely use a 10 OUNCE denim patch. They measure .021" compressed in calipers.
I use a .595" ball from a Tanner mould, in a .615" 20 gauge smoothbore.

I think you would need a real sturdy ramrod Daryl, to poke  a .680  to .690 down a .610 barrel.

Sorry, couldn't resist!
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Offline Austin

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Re: What size ball
« Reply #7 on: November 22, 2022, 05:49:38 AM »
Tough crowd, Daryl!
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Eat Beef

Online rich pierce

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Re: What size ball
« Reply #8 on: November 22, 2022, 06:01:56 AM »
Quote from: Pukka Bundook on November 22, 2022, 05:44:15 AM
Quote from: Daryl on November 22, 2022, 04:05:14 AM
.680 or .690 would work for me, in that barrel. I would likely use a 10 OUNCE denim patch. They measure .021" compressed in calipers.
I use a .595" ball from a Tanner mould, in a .615" 20 gauge smoothbore.

I think you would need a real sturdy ramrod Daryl, to poke  a .680  to .690 down a .610 barrel.

Sorry, couldn't resist!
;D
Have you met Daryl? He could give it a hard look and the ball would RUN down the barrel!
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Andover, Vermont

Offline Daryl

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Re: What size ball
« Reply #9 on: November 22, 2022, 06:42:44 AM »
Quote from: Pukka Bundook on November 22, 2022, 05:44:15 AM
Quote from: Daryl on November 22, 2022, 04:05:14 AM
.680 or .690 would work for me, in that barrel. I would likely use a 10 OUNCE denim patch. They measure .021" compressed in calipers.
I use a .595" ball from a Tanner mould, in a .615" 20 gauge smoothbore.

I think you would need a real sturdy ramrod Daryl, to poke  a .680  to .690 down a .610 barrel.

Sorry, couldn't resist!

OOPS - my bad LOL- would you believe .580" to .590"?
LOL

I also agree with Rich as far as a .575" as well, with canvas or a 12ounce denim patch.
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Daryl

"a gun without hammers is like a spaniel without ears" King George V

Offline walt53

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Re: What size ball
« Reply #10 on: November 22, 2022, 06:44:12 AM »
Tough crowd.
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Offline Daryl

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Re: What size ball
« Reply #11 on: November 22, 2022, 07:02:54 AM »
That's what keeps it fun!!! ;D
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Daryl

"a gun without hammers is like a spaniel without ears" King George V

Offline alacran

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Re: What size ball
« Reply #12 on: November 22, 2022, 01:34:11 PM »
On a smooth bore allowing at least .020 windage works fairly well. You could shoot .610 sans the patch and use an over powder card and over shot card.
After a few shots the fowling will keep the ball from rolling out of the barrel.
You can get very good accuracy that way, though patches are more convenient.
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Offline Rusticbob

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Re: What size ball
« Reply #13 on: December 25, 2022, 04:22:55 AM »
My .620 trade gun shoots well with a .600 ball and a thin wonderlubed patch. I have recently been experimenting with  some corn meal as an over powder wad and a bare .600 ball and it shows promise. I also jury rigged a crude rear sight which helped lots!
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Do what you can, with what you have, where you are, TR

Offline Brokennock

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Re: What size ball
« Reply #14 on: December 25, 2022, 05:17:52 PM »
I shoot. 610 ball with wadding or .595 ball with patches or paper cartridge. Usually the wad and .610 ball though.
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