Shooting ole sparkie.

[Kurt]

RB.

That used to be my thought about not cutting the ticking at the muzzle also, just dont seem right not using a patch knife
A friend sent me some of these green teflon patches with the blue juice you are supposed to put a drop on the patch to try out. But the .021 thick patch with the .530 ball made getting the tight ball started without deforming it, so I dampened the patch more to make that twill patch a little softer and even then it takes some effort to get the ball started in the round bottom grooved bore. Once you get the ball down about 4" it slides right down using the rod. The Rice barrel is about as smooth as gripping a screw driver by the blade dipped in STP.

[rhbrink]

The Rice barrels are smooth I just bought a 40 Match grade barrel to build a Squirrel Rifle Bench gun with. I didn't know that Rice barrels has switched hands and has a new owner so thought "Ooo Boy" here we go again I have seen several of these deals happen and the new product isn't the same as the old one. I guess that the new owner is the former shop foreman so should be well acquainted with the product. Well I'm happy to report all is still well and the barrel very accurate and super smooth probably the easiest barrel that I have ever tried to work up a load for and no break-in necessary. I wouldn't have minded a bit wider lands though they are rather narrow but using a .400 ball and .018 twill patch it shoots better than I can see open sights at 50 yards soon to try 100 that's the kicker for me. A very happy camper right now!

RB

[Kurt]

I prefer using twill over the pillow ticking. It is tougher and it resist blow through and I think that it releases the ball faster. But it is hard to get the ball started because it’s so stiff.
I just found some .017" twill at Wal-Mart so I got 2 yards of it. The Gal gave me a strange look when I pulled the mike out and took measurements of her stock

[Caprock]

Kurt, try running it through a wash cycle.

[rhbrink]

Yep! I know that look been there and done that! The new Chinese pillow ticking ain't what it used to be either. If you can find some mattress ticking it's more like the original pillow ticking but like you I have moved on the twill and drill. I don't know what the difference is between those two but it is a lot tougher and comes in a variety of thickness.

RB

[Kurt]

Will try both of your suggestions. I will cut a strip and run it through the washer.
I never heard of drill. Is it a cotton, flax? or something synthetic?

[Kurt]

Google told me it's cotton

[rhbrink]

I really can't tell any difference between them just looking at them if anything the drill is thinner that twill. I have heard of "pocket drill" that's the stuff that pockets are made of for pants pockets. They are both cotton both a real tight weave and very tough good enough for me. But you do have to wash them maybe several times. I bought some 10 oz denim that was highly recommended which is also 100% cotton it measures out about .020 but doesn't shoot worth a dang for me on anything that I have tried, it's about to become a shop apron.

RB

[Barvid]

Nice rifle and pic's Kurt!

Best, Barvid

[Kurt]

TNX. Barvid.
If I could hold it off hand like that at 25 yards it would put a smile on my face
My .58 cap Hawken will hold groups like that over sticks pretty reliable @ 50 yds more so than the flint .54.

Kurt

Snowing again