small balls in a big gun

[toot]

I see at a recent BP. shoot that shooters were shooting .680 DIA. RB'S in paper cartridges in a .730,.735 DIA. bored BROWN BESS MUSKETS. why was this being done? why not shoot the size ball corresponding to the bore DIA ?. I shoot a .725/.730 DIA. RB patched with a .010 pillow ticking lubed patch in my BROWN BESS REPRODUCTION. wouldn't the reduced DIA. RB. go WILLEY NILLEY when it leaves the bore?

[GARD72977]

I think the key here is the paper cartridge. The smaller ball makes for faster reloads in volley fire and the paper when left on the balls serves to center the ball in the bore. The glue most likely wax works as a lubricant.

I have never fired a Bess but did some research when I owned a NW trade gun.

When AOC finds out about the high rate of fire she will be proposing legislative action .

[Good Cheer]

Used 7/16" marbles in a fifty smoothie.
The patch leaving the "ball" without sending it sideways was the most important factor.
[smilie=l:

Got a .65 ball mold to try out in the flinter smoothie .69 with paper cartridges... if I don't get rifled barrel.