Description
Picture this: you’re at the range, ready to send some lead downrange with your .45 or .50 caliber muzzleloader. You’ve got your powder measured, your roundballs ready, but you’re fumbling with a ragged piece of cloth you cut from an old shirt. It’s inconsistent, it tears, and your groups show it. There’s a better, more affordable way to get consistent accuracy without breaking the bank. That’s where these patches come in.
Thompson Center Pillow Ticking Roundball Patches .45/.50 Cotton Fabric are pre-cut, lubricated cotton patches designed to create a tight gas seal between your roundball and the barrel rifling. They provide consistent pressure and reduce fouling, which translates directly to better accuracy shot after shot. For a price of $6.66, they offer a simple, cost-effective solution to one of traditional shooting’s most fundamental variables. Available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Here’s the thing—these aren’t just scraps of fabric. They are precision-cut from authentic pillow ticking material, known for its tight weave and durability. That tight weave is crucial. It needs to be strong enough to grip the rifling and seal the expanding gases behind the ball, but it also must cut cleanly when the ball is seated. This material strikes that balance, helping to ensure a consistent start pressure for every shot. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference on the target.
The pre-lubrication is the other major value-add. The patches come ready to use, soaked in a natural lubricant that serves multiple purposes. It reduces friction during loading, which is a real benefit for those long range sessions. It also helps control black powder fouling, keeping your barrel in a shootable condition for more shots between cleanings. You could buy dry ticking and make your own lube, but for under seven dollars, the convenience and consistency of these pre-lubed patches is hard to beat.
Compatibility is straightforward. These .45/.50 caliber patches are designed to work with a standard .440″ or .445″ roundball in a .45 caliber rifle, or a .490″ or .495″ ball in a .50 caliber rifle. They are a drop-in ready accessory for popular Thompson Center models like the Hawken and Renegade, and they work just as well with other major brands like Lyman and CVA rifles of the same calibers. The pre-cut size eliminates guesswork and ensures a proper fit in the muzzle.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% Cotton Pillow Ticking |
| Caliber Compatibility | .45 & .50 Caliber Muzzleloaders |
| Condition | Pre-Lubricated & Ready to Use |
| Patch Thickness | Approximately 0.015″ – 0.018″ |
| Quantity | 100 Patches per Package |
| Cut | Pre-Cut Round Patches |
Pros & Cons
The biggest pro is the value. At roughly 6.6 cents per shot, you’re getting factory-consistent patches without the labor of cutting and lubing your own. The convenience factor is huge for a spontaneous range trip. The pre-lube works well for standard shooting conditions. On the downside, the lubricant is a one-type-fits-all formula. Some shooters with very specific accuracy or cleaning regimens might prefer to use their own homemade lube. Also, while the .015″-.018″ thickness is a great standard, rifles with particularly tight or loose grooves might perform better with a slightly different patch thickness.
Who is this for?
This is for the budget-conscious traditional shooter who values consistency over custom tailoring. It’s perfect for the hunter who needs reliable performance without a pre-hunt ritual of patch preparation. It’s ideal for the new muzzleloader owner looking to eliminate variables while they learn the basics. And it’s a smart buy for any shooter who just wants to grab a package and go, saving their time and effort for the shooting itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these patches reusable?
A: No, they are not. These are pre-lubricated shooting patches designed for a single use. They are consumed upon firing, creating the gas seal and being expelled with the ball or remaining as fouling in the barrel.
Q: Do I need to add any additional lubricant or spit before loading?
A: Typically, no. They are designed to be used straight from the package. Some shooters in very dry conditions might add a touch of water or saliva, but for most applications, they are ready as-is. Adding heavy oils can negatively affect powder burn.
Q: What size roundball should I use with these .45/.50 patches?
A: For .45 caliber rifles, pair these patches with a .440″ or .445″ diameter pure lead roundball. For .50 caliber rifles, use a .490″ or .495″ ball. The combination of ball diameter and patch thickness should provide a snug, but loadable, fit when started with a short starter. A 100-pack gives you plenty to dial in your specific load.
If you’re tired of inconsistent patches undermining your muzzleloader’s potential, this package offers a simple, affordable path to better performance. See if Thompson Center Pillow Ticking Patches are the right fit for your traditional shooting setup.
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