Teflon tape

[paulmarcone]

Anyone have any experience in using teflon tape to paper patch a Prichett ball?

[R. McAuley 3014V]

Probably not something you really want to do unless you have a death wish. I don’t know of anyone using PTFE (TEFLON) tape, but I am aware of someone who once used a piece of nylon rope as a stabilizer for a muzzle-loading cannon projectile, which when the cannon was fired, the nylon rope melted and immediately seized the elongated projectile about halfway up the bore. The only way they were able to clear the bore was to drill out the projectile. According to a MSDS by the IMS Company for Thread Sealant Tape with TEFLON, the tape should not be used in applications where the temperature is expected to exceed 500° F, or where thermal decomposition is likely. If the service temperature exceeds 750° F, then TEFLON will begin to undergo thermal decomposition. At these temperatures, TEFLON can emit acutely toxic vapors. These vapors can include hydrogen fluoride fumes, hexafluoropropylene, perfluoroisobutylene, and carbonyl fluoride. Fire decomposition products include the above, plus perfluoroolefing, carbon anoxide and low molecular weight fluorocarbons. Inhalation Warning: heated, fumes may be unpleasant and produce nausea, irritation of the respiratory tract, polymer fume fever (delay of symptoms of several hours and may pass within 36 to 48 hours), and serious health affects. Skin Contract: If heated to high heat temperatures, thermal burns may result from skin contact. Do not try to peel the solidified material from the skin nor use solvents or thinners to dissolve it.

Richard McAuley, 3014V
37th GA

[paulmarcone]

Thank you -- you likely saved me from some heartache and possibly pain!

I will continue to use Rooster Jacket or paper patching for my smooth, Enfield bullets (below is a pic). Thanks again.


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3840464386_360afbf308_o.jpg

[Southron Sr.]

I think I got it right, IF you try to use teflon tape instead of a paper patch on your Pritchett Ball, if the fumes from the melted teflon don't kill you, you will probably be responsible for GLOBAL WARMING all on your own!

Seriously, Richard makes some very good points and his knowledge of Civil War arms and proper shooting techniques is outstanding.

Paper patched bullets can deliver superb accuracy in a muzzleloader. When I started loading and shooting them (at my home range) I was amazed to discover that I could apply a paper patch to a smooth sided bullet, let the paper dry 24 hours and then run the patched bullet thru my sizer and 95% of the time, the paper patch would remain on the bullet!

Unfortunately, paper patched bullets are banned from N-SSA competition.

[WV SCROUNGER]

Just wondering what kind of glue you gents are using to glue the paper???

[ken chrestman]

Buffalo Arms has paper patch material 100% cotton and a blend is available.
You cut the paper on a template with a 45 degree bias across the pullet long enough for two turns, with a short tail you stuff in the cavity. I wet my paper till it is pliable then wrap on a board with a groove for the bullet,when the paper dries it srinks tight to the bullet, If interested I can send a template for the Pritchett ball I use.

Hope this helps;

Ken Chrestman,7147V
Forrest's Escort Co