Manual

This booklet and the Thompson/Center Catalog lists a series of round

ball, Maxi-Ball and Maxi-Hunter molds that are proper for use with our fire-

arms. All T/C bore diameters, patch thickness and mold dimensions are care-

fully calculated to produce a safe result when used with our recommended

Black Powder charges and a pure lead projectile in the appropriate caliber.

The reader must realize that Thompson/Center has no control over cast

projectiles, bullet molds or patch material offered by other sources. Before

using such items, the user must assure himself that the components or molds

are proper and safe to use with our firearms. If you have questions concerning

the correctness of a product or component, write to the Customer Service De-

partment, Thompson/Center Arms, P.O. Box 5002, Rochester, New

Hampshire 03866.

For bullet specifications and loading data, refer to page 53 of this

booklet.

Patching The Round Ball

To shoot properly, the round ball must be tightly patched. If the round

ball is not tightly patched, it may, by movement of the firearm, work its

way off the powder charge and up the bore. UNDER SUCH A CONDI-

TION THE BALL WILL ACT AS A BARREL OBSTRUCTION AND

FIRING CAN CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER

OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

The novice at muzzleloading is often perplexed by the problem of trying

to figure out the correct patch and ball combination for his firearm. More

often than not, he ends up using a loose fitting combination which loads easi-

ly but leaves something to be desired in the way of accuracy and safety.

Accuracy with a muzzleloader is based on a paradox: an undersize ball is

spun by rifling that it never touches! It is the job of the patch to hold the ball

tightly against the powder charge until firing and to securely grip both the ball

and the rifling so as to transfer the spin of the rifling to the projectile itself. If

the patch fits too loosely, the ball will not spin and its flight will be unstable.

If the patches vary in thickness, or manner of loading, or the amount of

lubricant they carry, shot to shot stability and accuracy will be affected.

To perform its task properly, the patch material must be extremely tough

and it must be under considerable compression- not only in the area where it

bears on the lands but also at the bottom of each groove.