Patch Diameter for .45 And .50 Calibers?

[Josh Smith]

Hey Guys,

I made a patch cutter from a number 11 cap tin.

The patches it cuts measure 1.5 inches in diameter.

I am wondering if this is considered too big for 45 caliber and 50 caliber.

Because of a broken hand, I've not gotten a chance to go out and shoot the patches yet. It just appeals to my OCD to have perfectly round patches ready to go that I can make in quantity anytime.

Thank you,

Josh

[northmn]

I measured some factory patches for 44-50 cal and they were 1 3/8 inch. Personally I doubt if the extra 1/8 inch would make any difference in your 50 as the others were recommended for a 44 also. Some folks have used square patches and found them to be very accurate. Thickness and lube tend to contribute to accuracy the most.

DP

[mooman76]

As long as the patch is big enough and not to small you are fine.

[Charlie Sometimes]

1 1/4 is sufficient up to 54 caliber. 1 1/2 for a few sizes bigger.
Use 3.14 (pi) times the diameter of your ball to find the ball circumference and that will be a little over, but very close to patch diameter you need.

[NickSS]

I have used square patches ever since I lost my patch cutter in my junk drawer. They work fine and I get good accuracy. In fact I can't tell the difference between square and round ones and the square ones are easy to cut

[Jim]

I got hold of some genuine linen one time. I guard it with my life! I cut it up into 1.5" squares, lube 'em and carry them in my bag. Best stuff I ever used. Finally got my .54 GPR zeroed using linen patches. Off the bench, I can hit a six inch bull all day at a hundred.

[SamTexas49]

Using the traditional method of seating the ball over pillow ticking then cutting it off once the ball was seated in the barrel, that's enough!

[Charlie Sometimes]

Using the traditional method of seating the ball over pillow ticking then cutting it off once the ball was seated in the barrel, that's enough!

Exactly. Do that, and then pull it out- you will see how much you really need, and it will be nearly the circumference of the ball.

[Beerd]

Exactly. Do that, and then pull it out- you will see how much you really need, and it will be nearly the circumference of the ball.

don't have to pull the ball/patch
just measure the hole in the ticking after it is cut
should be the same size as the patch ;)
..

[Charlie Sometimes]

I intended that to be proof that it was the circumference, but that works, too! :grin:

[smoked turkey]

I carry my patches in an old no 11 cap tin. It is very handy that way. I cut my patches just a little smaller than the tin and they work ok.

[45-70 Chevroner]

I have a patch cutter that makes nice round patches. I have found that I can set in the living room with a pair of scissors and cut a whole lot of square patches in a short time. They work as well as round ones.