Paper patch vs gas check?

[hickstick_10]

If paper patches wore out rifling, you’d definitely hear about in on the Shiloh sharps forums by now.

I have no doubt it has an abrasive quality but how long is it rubbing in the barrel for? Maybe a couple seconds total over the entire life of the gun?

The mercury primers they used back then likely did more damage. One of ingredients in the old primers formula was ground glass, and corrosive.

 

[gunlaker]

I've shot a lot of paper patched bullets out of black powder rifles. I'm pretty sure that there is a fair bit more friction than with a lubed cast bullet as muzzle velocities are lower with paper patched bullets. I have no idea how it would compare to s copper bullet. A guy I've shot with in America has put something like 14,000 rounds down a .45-110 Shiloh before he decided to get it rebarreled. i have no idea about barrel life when shot with smokeless at much higher velocity though.

Chris.

 

[oldrodder]

Hey, so I have been reading about paper patch in 30 cal rifles, and it sounds to me to do everything a gas check and powder coat can do, with velocity up to jacket velocity.
So the question is; what is the disadvantage?
Is it just that it takes more practice and care, to get consistent repeatable performance?
If I am missing an obvious downside to it, please enliven me, but it sounds like an ideal way to make up some 185 grain hunting loads for my smle.
I mean, I got into reloading cus I am looking for the cheapest way to shoot it(and have spent more than I want to admit, so no need to point out that flaw.)
Looking for any tips and advice as well. Also what would be top velocity I should push gas checked 213grain in a 303? I have a box of those already.
Thanks all

You have to remember, paper patching was around long before the advent of gas checks and powder coating!! To me, the upsides and downsides are irrelevant as I use both systems depending on the situation at hand. Some BP competitions don't allow gas checks. Some times, I just want to play!!! Years ago, I had Boomer make me an adjustable PP mold for 30 cal. I used it in my Savage 340 in 30-30 with great success! I've also paper patched 38-55, 9.3mm, 40-65, 45-70 & 45-90 with both holy black and smokeless.
My friend & I just finished building a 40-70 Sharps Straight. I've only had it about 3 weeks and each weekly shooting session results in creating between 60-70 empty cases!!! If I can find an appropriate PP mold, I would like to try PP boolits in it. Truth to tell, I've had more consistent results with greasers. YMMV.