Manual

When targeting a muzzleloading firearm, it is wise to recover a few of

the fired patches and to check their condition. Fired patches can usually be

found lying on the ground about 10 yards in front of the muzzle. The fol-

lowing illustrations will help you to determine whether your patch and/or

lubricant is doing its job.

Lubricant is required to ease loading and prevent the patch material from

burning. The “spit” patch (wet with saliva) should be avoided as it will dry out

and cease to function as a lubricant. Thompson/Center recommends the use of

our Natural Lube 1000 Plus Bore Butter. It should be rubbed into the patch

material with the fingers. Saturation of the patch material should be complete

but not excessive. Excessive lubricant may deactivate the powder charge.

Do not use any type of plastic patch or sabot with a ROUND BALL in

any Thompson/Center firearm. When such patches or sabots are used,

it is possible, even under optimum tolerance conditions, for the ball

and patch or sabot to disengage themselves from each other. This re-

sults in the ball moving forward (leaving air space between the patch or

sabot and the ball). UNDER SUCH CONDITIONS, THE BALL WILL

ACT AS A BARREL OBSTRUCTION AND FIRING CAN RESULT

IN INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS

AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Various manufacturers have intro-

duced plastic sabots which are used with pistol bullets in muzzleload-

ing firearms. Thompson/Center Arms and others have tested these

sabots. Satisfactory results have been obtained when following the

instructions as provided by the manufacturer of the sabots. It is impor-

tant to note that only those bullets r

ecommended by the manufactur

of the sabot should be used. Sabots must not be used with r

ound balls.

For specific loading information on Thompson/Center’s Break-o-Way Sab-

ots see page 65 of this manual.

Efficient Patch

A patch which is working correctly

can be found intact. The area behind 

the ball which is exposed to burning 

powder will be blackened .

Burned Out Patch

If the patch material is too thin, frail, or not

properly lubricated, it may burn through 

upon firing. The patch shown here 

illustrates this condition.