Cleaning patches???

[beng]

What size is the proper size, (and company) for cleaning the barrel of the H&R, 45-70, BC, 32" barrel?   I have tried all different types. 2"  2-1/2"   3",   square, round and hex.   Most say for 45 cal.  got one that said for .458 cal., way to thick.  It's to small; thick or even one saying double tweed or something like that.    Thanks    beng

[Doc Fillem]

I have some I got at Walmart, I believe they are Outer's brand, about 2"x2" square. Depending on how big your jag is, may need to use two. Just layer them until you get a tight fit.

[Empty Quiver]

I use walmart flannel, it's about the right thickness. I cut a patch roughly 2" sq. Well really I use the wifes rotary cutter mat and straight edge, it'll go through six layers easy enough. $8 a yard and will make a bunch of patches. Assuming you are using a jag the once the brass is covered, the rest is just absorbant for excess fluids.

[gcrank1]

Many jags are really too big a dia. for the caliber listed for other than those little thin wimpy Outers type. If you have a supply of whatever else that is too thick just use the next size caliber down in your 'now wonderfully organized cleaning supplies' virtue of the other thread.

[ole shooter]

Most all my buffalo classic 45/70  cleaning is done with a wooden rod and a jag for a 45 cal. muzzleloader. Worn all cotten "T" shirt is the perfect weight. I cut it in squares of roughly 1 1/2" .  I'll be trying the Wall Mart flannel suggested by Empty Quiver if I run short. That would save cutting around the paint splatters . lol  If your jag is too large  ,chuck it in a drill and size it with sandpaper.     

[quickdtoo]

As has been said, it depends on the diameter of the jag, they aren't all the same, I use surplus military patches, bought a case of em 25yrs ago, still have about 10yrs worth left! 

Tim

[Mike in Virginia]

I use patches for my B/C cut from pure cotton undershirts.  My wife slaps me around pretty good when she finds me cutting up new shirts, but that's the best cleaning fabric out there, IMO.  I use it for all my gun cleaning chores.  A piece of cotton of any size from 2" to much larger will work for the 45/70.  I don't fret with the size of the jag; I just use enough layers of cotton to tightly fit the bore. 
Depending on what your bullets were, it's a good idea to scrub with a .45 brush wrapped with one layer of cotton before final cleaning with just the cotton.  It gives me the willies to put a bare stiff wire brush down the bore, although that's probably needless worry. 

[gcrank1]

I dont worry about brass wire brushes (brass wont scrape steel) but no way stainless steel.......

[sr sawyer]

Unless you have a stash like quick,  Empty Quiver has the right idea.  The Fiskars rotary cutter with pad and the flannel material is available at wally world and will save a bunch over buying already formed patches.
 
With a straight edge and a marker you can make hundreds of patches any size you want in a short period of time.  I make mine on the dining room table and found out the cutter will cut a table cloth just as easily as the flannel material if the cutter runs off the pad.
 
Ken 

[Ranger99]

those folks overseas usually don't
know the right size to cut, so i buy a
big bag of those american bloomer
bulk patches, and separate out some
to use for rifles and hand guns and
leave some as is for shotgun and m/l's
and whack up the rest in appropriate
sizes with a good pair of scissors.
(as hard to find good scissors as properly
sized patches huh?)
the megalo marts here have been kinda phasing
out fabrics. all the folks around me are
wards of the state and wear nike and fila
and tommy crap. there's no way any of them
have a need to sew, let alone have the
knowledge or desire to do so.

[tacklebury]

I cut up old T-shirts into two sizes some 2" approx for 30 cal and under and 3" for .45 and muzzle loaders. 

[mechanic]

I've been using those mop thingies that came in my cleaning kit.  When I'm done, I wash them with brake clean and let them dry.  For patch's, I've got a large box of surplus, along with 4 qts. of mil surp oil. Unless I have copper or lead build up, thats all I use.
 
Ben

[twoshooter]

Tee shirts, sweat shirts, and a pair of scissors .  I get them for 25 cents usually at yard sales. One wally world bag full will last a year or two.

[PineyCreek22]

Whatever size or material you use if you find it is too tight to fit down the bore with your particular jag simply orient the point of the jag slightly off center of the patch.  It will then easily pass through the bore.   Regards, Piney Creek

[cjrjck]

I use the blue shop paper towels you can buy at Home Depot or Wal Mart. Cut to size.

[yukondog]

Old tee shirts and assorted brushes.

[parson48]

I have my wife use her rotary cutter to cut old t-shirts into squares. She can have me a few hundred cut in no time at all.

[bucmeister]

What about blue jean material, isn't it all cotton?  Guess it would be thick for some bore and jag combinations, but seems like it should work.