Howdy guys.
I have read nearly a zillion posts on Paper patching through the last few days. I have read and re-read the sticky posts at least 3 times. The problem I'm having is putting it all together in my mind as a step by step process. Using generally acceptable principals.
My mind is cluttered. This is partly due to so many good suggestions on every aspect of the process. I need all this info organized some how. Is anything like a paper patching quick start tutorial that goes through just the basics of the process of patching? pdawg_shooter's comes close, but there are areas in his post missing I don't want to proceed without those gaps filled.
I guess I'm just looking for clarity for the first timer.
Another missing item is a good picture walk through of rolling patches. There seems to have been a very good write up by Goodsteel in the Patch Templates and Instructions sticky. But all the images have been removed/expired. Does something like this exist?
Based on my searching, I am guessing something like this doesn't exist, or maybe not in a format I can digest as a newb. So I guess I will take a stab at it. My goal here is to try out my first paper patched loads this weekend. I don't care if they have horrible accuracy, but I want to start close to the right direction.
This is the mental dump of all the information I have gathered. Intent is to get usable paper patched loads for the beginner.
Basic generally accepted steps:
1) Really need to start off with a chamber casting so the Paper Patcher can find their Bore diameter and groove diameter
--Without bore and groove sizes, it's just random guessing as to what type of paper and sizing is needed
2) Cast your preferred boolit and size to .001/.0015 over bore diameter
**does one use a lube for this sizing step? Sometimes if I want no lube while sizing, I just use a small amount of dishsoap in a few ounces of water to get through the push through sizer**
3) Pick a paper to use for patching. This paper should have at least the following characteristics to get started:
-- should be a thickness that will allow you to get +.001/.003 over the groove diameter AFTER it has been sized on the boolit
-- not tear or disintegrate when wet
**what are some other paper characteristics for the first time patcher? I ran around the house last night with my calipers, getting my hands on any kind of paper I could. Trying to find something that worked with my bore diameter/groove diameter
4) Patch the boolit
-- Cigarette roller helps do it tight
-- A template is very helpful
**this is where I really need pictorial help as a beginner
5) Finish the bottom of the boolit
**I have seen the twist and clip technique, that seems easy. Does anyone have an explanation of how to do the fold under technique?
**Also, is a gas check on my boolit going to hurt anything? If I have one will it dictate my bottom finishing method?
6) Once dry, size the boolit and patch to +.001/.003 over the groove diameter
**once again, should any lube be used in this step?
7) Lube the boolit and patch
**is this absolutely necessary? How much to use?
8) Brass choice: Start with undersized and fire formed brass. Try to seat the bullet. If it is too loose in the neck, neck size the brass slightly until you have enough neck tension.
**is this correct?
9) Load data
** this is where I have not seen very much info. I believe that geargnasher mentioned that ball powder was a good choice, and somewhere else that almost close to case capacity is the right way to go. But should I be using Cast Boolit load data or Jacketed Bullet load data? Or something else?
10) Seat the boolit so the paper patch is somewhere around .020" above the mouth of the brass.
**should the boolit always be seated so it's engraved in the lands? If so, I imagine that impacts the width of the patch so the .020" patch above mouth can be maintained.
Again, I'm looking for help to get quickly on track, with generally accepted principals. If my first paper patched boolits 1) dont blow me up 2) hit a 6" target at 50 yards I will be very happy. After the first few sessions I will play around with each one of these steps to tweak and find what works for me.