Paper patch #3118 for TC 32 cal.

[Nobade]

This morning I got the bright idea to try patching some #3118 bullets for use in my 32 cal. Cherokee. Anybody ever try this? Would they stabilize? I see TC made a 32 cal. Maxi mould at one time, listed at 105 gr. so I am hoping just maybe the 115gr. bullets will work. If it does it will sure add to the useful range of this rifle!

[Shyoldman]

I tried patching a .311 90gr boolit once. Harder then the devil to laod,no place for the extra patch to go, shot way,way off. have to play with paper!

[Baron von Trollwhack]

I have paper patched both the Hornady bulk .32 wadcutters and the Lee cast .32 SWC for use in my 32 caplock with a Douglas barrel. I have also used them with a .005 oiled patch. My normal tight combination was the .323 RB and the .0005 patch. The combinations gave very good results at ranges out to 50 yards with my usual charges/half charges of fffg. YMMV. BvT

[Nobade]

Good idea on those 90gr. Lee SWCs. They are sure short enough to stabilize. And just the right size already to patch up to .320 to fit my bore.

BTW, that is some kind of thin patch material - half thou? The .323" ball is bigger than the bore on my rifle, what are the dimensions of your Douglas barrel? Is it designed for muzzleloaders or cartridge guns? I didn't know Douglas made muzzleloader barrels.

[Baron von Trollwhack]

Douglas did indeed make ML barrels of excellent reputation . Mine is early, from the 60's, 1/66 twist, .320 bore. Later they made 1/48. Yes .323 is tight, "0" buck. .005 was readily available from ox-yoke when I last purchased them. I used oiled precuts. For info, well worn, high thread count cotton sheets usually go .006-.008. ( typo 0 noted in my original post-----well, I'll be whipped) . Use a short starter, smack it. Easier with the paper patched slugs in my rifle.

But I found no real advantage in squirrel hunting, possum poaching, beaver shooting with the slugs even though their accuracy was equal out to 50/60 yards.. Use fffg, wipe between shots. Enjoy.

BvT

[Nobade]

Well I tried some of the 90gr. Lee SWC bullets, patched with 9# onionskin in the Cherokee. Kinda worked. 4 or 5 would go into around an inch (50 yds) then one would land 3 or 4 feet away. Not sure why, maybe they are short enough to not be bumping up consistantly? Whatever the reason I am with Baron Von Trollwhack and will be shooting Hornady buckshot in this rifle. They at least always go where they are pointed! Plus I don't have to cast or patch them!