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that antimony alloys have less a shrinkage factor than pure lead. Antimonyalloys produce an extremely hard, over size projectile which is very difficultto load properly. Pure lead can be obtained from a plumbing supplyhouse.The reader must realize that Thompson/Center has no control over castprojectiles, bullet moulds or patch material offered by other sources. Beforeusing such items, the user must assure himself that the components or mouldsare proper and safe to use with our firearms. If you have questions concerningthe correctness of a product or component, write to the Customer Service Department,Thompson/Center Arms, Farmington Road, P.O. Box 5002, Rochester,New Hampshire 03866.For bullet specs and loading data, refer to page 68 of this booklet.PatchingThe Round BallTo shoot properly, the round ball must be tightly patched. If the roundball is not tightly patched, it may, by movement of the firearm, work itsway off the powder charge and up the bore. UNDER SUCH A CONDI-TION THE BALL WILL ACT AS A BARREL OBSTRUCTION ANDFIRING CAN CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTEROR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.The novice at muzzleloading is often perplexed by the problem of tryingto figure out the correct patch and ball combination for his firearm. More oftenthan not, he ends up using a loose fitting combination which loads easilybut leaves something to be desired in the way of accuracy and safety.Accuracy with a muzzleloader is based on a paradox: an undersize ball isspun by rifling that it never touches! It is the job of the patch to hold the balltightly against the powder charge until firing and to securely grip both the balland the rifling so as to transfer the spin of the rifling to the projectile itself. Ifthe 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 oflubricant they carry, shot to shot stability and accuracy will be affected.23