I have a 54 caliber muzzle loader. I am wondering what ball diameters correspond to which patches, and which ones are preferred for what reasons.



I am about going old school with a powder flask or horn, measure, capper, ball starter and loading block for the balls. I'm wondering what everyone's favorite method of carrying this stuff is, whether it is on a lanyard or in a handbag like thing. I am used to using plastic speed loaders on a lanyard.

I personally shoot .530 ball with a .020 patch, but the load requires a mallet to start.  Very accurate though.  A .015 patch is nearly as accurate but much easier to start.

I start the day with a .020 patch in the gun, but my reloads are .015 patching.

Ive got a TC Renegade I dropped a 54cal. Green Mountain barrel in.It shoots best with a .530" ball and .018" Ticking patch well lubed,90gr. FFg.I melt the patch lube and soak the patches until saturated.Typically use and prefer Dixie Gunworks Ole Zip Patch grease.
For a target load my best results has been with a .535" ball and .015" patch.