What Are Shot-Out Patches Supposed To Look Like?

[Fiddler]

What can you tell by looking at patches that have been fired? None of mine seem to be burnt, although they are quite frayed and torn. One looks almost good enough to be shot again. I think that one had a felt wad behind it when fired. Are there any photos posted on this subject anywhere?

 

[cayuga]

If they are torn up it might be from burrs in the barrel. Rough Sports. You need to JB Bore Paste the bore and smooth that out. If they are burned up totally, then you need to put a wad under them. Frayed edges are not all that serious. Also if the patches look bad but the rifle shoots good, well ... the rifle does shoot good.

Also the kind of lube you use can effect patches.

 

[excess650]

Frayed edges are to be expected. If the patch appears torn or cut where it contacts the rifling, either the bore is sharp, rough, or patch too thin. Patches that look like they could be shot again are excellent! :yeah: The patch itself should be thicker than the rifling is deep so as to make a good seal, so experimenting with ball diameter is helpful.