Got out today finally!
I wanted to test the accuracy of my new patch material and so far its good! The powder is my limiting factor. I just don't get the same accuracy with Black MZ as I do Pyrodex P, but thats ok, its cheap and easy to get here.
First patches I used 80gr Black MZ with a lubed felt wad. Notice the two torn patches? After I saw this, I noticed that my short starter was catching the edges of the patch in the load block and causing the patch material to tear. I thought a couple shots were a little hard to pop into the muzzle and this is when I noticed that I need to spread the material in order to get clean contact on the ball VS on the balled up patch end. Just was starting to punch that ball through the patching!
Next I went to 100gr Black MZ with a .490" round ball and my cotton duck patch. Remember this is around .025" thick when uncompressed and when compressed, measures .018".
I took a total of one shot with the lubed felt wad. I completely forgot to load them on the previous shots and when I realized that, I was completely blown away that they are in such excellent condition! These red/orange patches sure are a lot easier to find on the range!
After removing the wad, we can see just a light darker line around where the wad had been. On my latest wads, I increased the diameter of them so they fit snugger and fill up more, these are just some older wads I punched out the other year. Accuracy with the 100gr charge actually improved my group so next time out, I will concentrate with that load. Its 4" high at 50, which will put me super high at 100, but I may be able to stay on target with a little kentucky windage.
I did notice quite a bit more sharper recoil with the wad in place when using the 100gr charge. Either way, I want to try the wads again and do a side by side to compare groups.
I wanted to test the accuracy of my new patch material and so far its good! The powder is my limiting factor. I just don't get the same accuracy with Black MZ as I do Pyrodex P, but thats ok, its cheap and easy to get here.
First patches I used 80gr Black MZ with a lubed felt wad. Notice the two torn patches? After I saw this, I noticed that my short starter was catching the edges of the patch in the load block and causing the patch material to tear. I thought a couple shots were a little hard to pop into the muzzle and this is when I noticed that I need to spread the material in order to get clean contact on the ball VS on the balled up patch end. Just was starting to punch that ball through the patching!
Next I went to 100gr Black MZ with a .490" round ball and my cotton duck patch. Remember this is around .025" thick when uncompressed and when compressed, measures .018".
I took a total of one shot with the lubed felt wad. I completely forgot to load them on the previous shots and when I realized that, I was completely blown away that they are in such excellent condition! These red/orange patches sure are a lot easier to find on the range!
After removing the wad, we can see just a light darker line around where the wad had been. On my latest wads, I increased the diameter of them so they fit snugger and fill up more, these are just some older wads I punched out the other year. Accuracy with the 100gr charge actually improved my group so next time out, I will concentrate with that load. Its 4" high at 50, which will put me super high at 100, but I may be able to stay on target with a little kentucky windage.
I did notice quite a bit more sharper recoil with the wad in place when using the 100gr charge. Either way, I want to try the wads again and do a side by side to compare groups.