question about patched ball accuracy

I have always been a loaner in life as well as my recreational shooting so I don't have anything to compare to. My question is , " what is considered good accuracy shooting a patched ball from a conventional cap lock rifle shooting at 100 yards "" ? There will likely be as many different opinions on this as there are shooters but I would like to hear them. Thanks!

I don't shoot with others much so not into comparing. For me I figure if I can get 2" groups at 100 yards with patched roundball that is pretty good. Anything over 4" and I need to start looking at load components. Just my opinion and experience.

I guess we should also look at sights when comparing groups. So with what type of sight is a 2" group at 100 yards good? I dont think it fair to qualify a certain group size as being good with all type of sights. I know I can do better with a tang mounted peep than with a barrel mounted buckhorn and then better with a scop that with a peep.
So the 2"/100 yard standard is with what type of sight ?

Those groups are with German Silver front blade and a Hawken rear sight. A guy can hold pretty tight with those really.

I agree 2" at 100 yards with a patched ball and those sights is good shooting. I cant do it. I think I can with a peep sight but I still have to prove it.

2" is what I strive for, for both PRB and conicals, but I need a peep sight to do it consistently. Therefore, I've got peep sights on all my rifles. Without the peep sight I'm just wasting powder and ball trying to shoot groups, not knowing if it is the rifle or me that needs work.

Shooting small groups is what all of us aim for (hmmm I just made a pun).  However unless you have exceptional sights 2" groups or better @ 100 yards with open sights and PRB is exceptional shooting.  I've done it a time or two but that's not the norm.  With peep sights and globe front and conicals or saboted bullets 2" is usually not a problem.
We all tend to get hung up too much on accuracy. Now that's not a bad thing and we all try for perfection but when you get right down to it a 4" group is more than adequate for most deer hunting from 100 yards and in.
What I like about shooting muzzleloaders is the fact that no two are alike and even the smallest change can make a huge difference.  A couple thousands in patch thickness, a 5 or 10 gr change in charge volume, patch lube, powder size (granules).  I enjoy finding the best combination for my muzzys and try to squeeze every drop of accuracy out of them. This is a group (3 center shots) taken with my .58 @ 100 yards after a couple sight adjustments. This is the first time out with this rifle and custom barrel.  I still have some playing around to do.



This is a paper patched conical from my .45 Hawken GM LRH barrel open sights @ 100 yds.

My last 3 deer killed on the plains have been 22 yards, 100 yards and 30 yards. We definitely overthink things. I'd hunt a 4" load anytime. I'd be thinking how to tighten it up the whole time lol, but nothing you can't do with a 4" shooting rifle.

I guess I should have been more specific about the reason for asking the question. It should have included, " for competitive shooting "" The rifle would probably be classed a light target.

bullshop wrote:I have always been a loaner in life as well as my recreational  shooting so I don't have anything to compare to.   My question is ,  "  what is considered good accuracy shooting a patched ball from a conventional cap lock rifle shooting at 100 yards "" ?    There will likely be as many different opinions on this as there are shooters but I would like to hear them.  Thanks!

Dan, I have been able to get True 1” Groups at 100 Yards with my Green Mountain Roundball twist Barrel, I have the same sight system here as i am using on my Long Range Bullet Rifles which is a BIG KEY to being able to do this, this sight system is about 600 Dollars. Lee Shaver Long Range Soule Tang peep, and Lee Shaver adjustable windage Front sight with Spirit level.

May I ask about specifics of the load such as , powder type and volume, caliber and ball diameter, patch type and thickness, lube ?

Bullshop then you're going to need top quality sights. I don't need them for my PRB shooters because in my hunting area 100 yards is almost impossible except for a couple spots. Most of my shot are 75 yards and in. I shoot a semi-buckhorn sight and gold bead front sight.
I use the Marbles 64H semi-buckhorn rear sight on my hunting rifles but definitely not good enough for competition. I can normally keep My PRBs inside 2" with this set up.
Lewis has likely the best sight set up you can buy.

bullshop wrote:May I ask about specifics of the load such as , powder type and volume, caliber and ball diameter, patch type and thickness, lube ?

I shoot Swiss 2F, 80 Grains by Weight. .50 Cal, .495 Ball cast of Pure Lead, .020 Dril Cloth from Joann Fabric, Lubed with Stihl HP Ultra 2 Stroke Engine oil & 100% Peanut oil mixed 50/50 in a Small Spray Bottle. I am using an Over Powder Patch (Just another Patch pushed down on the Powder, this is to help protect the Patched Ball)

This load is TIGHT, It is a Target/Bench Load. I am loading with my OC Solid Brass Range Rod, This Rod makes sending a Tight Load down the Bore easy

Thank you !