One patch vs two (???)

[hatman]

So yesterday I was shooting a new flintlock (50 cal).  I was getting horrible grouping with .018 ticking patches.  My shooting buddy fortunately had some .020 and .024 denim.  The .020 didn't do much better than .018 ticking (12 inches at 100 yards off the bench), but with the .024 I got seven shots inside 4 inches. 
So my question is, until I get some .024 material, could I use two .012 patches (which I have somewhere here at home) and expect about the same results?
Are there downsides to using two thinner patches vs one?
Thanks in advance for any wisdom/experience out there.

[mgbruch]

There's only one way you're going to find that out for your gun.  And that's with your gun.

[rich pierce]

Your plan can often work. If you need some patching let me know if you want enough to get you going.

[Grischi]

How deep is the rifling?
Maybe a roundball with a larger diameter will do better.
Changing the the type and charge of powder may close the grouping as well.
Christian

[smylee grouch]

I went through that once with 18/1000 and didn't have any other patching with at the time. I did have some 6/1000 flannel cleaning patches though and with the 18s and 6s i got good results.

[Daryl]

I have measured 12 ounce denim at .024" on the mic.
 A pair of .012" might work, but as noted, you will have to try, to find out.

[hatman]

Thanks guys.
I'll give the double patches a try and report back.

[Eric Krewson]

What size ball were you shooitng?

[hatman]

What size ball were you shooitng?

I was using a 490 ball.
A 490 with .018 ticking works well in my other 50 cal's.
Perhaps I should get some 495's and try that alternative for this rifle.

I believe all four of my 50 cal's barrels are Colerain.

[Seth Isaacson]

With my rifle the recommended .010 patches from the dealer allowed the ball to just drop down the bore, and I had only ordered what they recommended, so I shot double patched with good results until a couple other patch thicknesses came in the mail.

[mgbruch]

Didn't think of it before, but have you tried different powder charges with that load?  My .50 has a 44" Colerain barrel; and likes 65 grains of 3f.  5 grains either way results in groups being almost two inches larger at 50 yards (from the bench).  I previously owned another .50 with a 38" Colerain barrel, that liked 60 grains of 3f.  With both guns I shot/shoot a .018 ticking patch, with a .490 cast ball, and Track of the Wolf's Mink Oil to lube.   

[xx54]

In my 50 I shoot a 500 lyman rb. with a 15-18 th. patch, I also have a 498 mold.  my 54 I shoot a 538 rb. I like the largest ball I can put in the barrel. You might try some 500s. I have talked to some guys patching with buckskin leather. GOOD LUCK.

[Waksupi]

I agree with others, get larger balls.

[MuskratMike]

If you need two patches you either need thicker patches or larger balls. Enough said.