First Thoughts on the M-LOADER ORIGINAL WONDER PATCH
The M-LOADER ORIGINAL WONDER PATCH is a seemingly simple product that promises to ease the tedious process of cleaning firearms. Specifically, the “50-59 .010 100PK” designation suggests these patches are designed for firearms with bore diameters ranging from .50 to .59 inches, and that the pack contains 100 patches with a thickness of .010 inches. M-LOADER isn’t exactly a household name, so I’m intrigued to see if these patches offer anything special compared to my usual cleaning supplies. At a price of $6.49, they’re certainly affordable, but that doesn’t guarantee quality.
Having spent years scrubbing bores after long days at the range and hard hunts, I’m always on the lookout for anything that can streamline the cleaning process. My biggest problem is consistent patch size and avoiding lint. I’m hoping these pre-cut patches will solve both issues.
Upon unboxing, or rather, opening the packaging, the patches appear neatly cut and uniform. They feel soft to the touch, which is a good sign for avoiding bore scratching. The weight is negligible, as expected, given their size and material. Build quality seems standard for a cotton patch – nothing particularly remarkable, but hopefully effective.
Compared to using bulk cotton flannel that I cut myself, these M-LOADER ORIGINAL WONDER PATCHES offer the allure of consistency. I’ve also used pre-cut patches from Hoppe’s and Pro-Shot in the past. These seem comparable in terms of material, but the exact diameter will be crucial for a snug bore fit. The main draw for me is the price point – if they perform similarly, the M-LOADER patches could be a budget-friendly alternative.
My first impression is cautiously optimistic. They seem like a no-frills product that could save me time and effort. The real test will be how they perform in the field (or, more accurately, on the range).
Real-World Testing: Putting M-LOADER ORIGINAL WONDER PATCH to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test involved cleaning a .50 caliber muzzleloader after a day at the range. I used the M-LOADER ORIGINAL WONDER PATCH in conjunction with bore solvent and a jag designed for .50 caliber. The patch loaded easily and provided a snug fit in the bore.
The cleaning process was noticeably quicker and cleaner than when using my usual cut flannel. The patch effectively grabbed fouling and powder residue. No tearing or disintegration of the patch occurred, even with vigorous scrubbing.
I was pleasantly surprised by how little lint was left behind after the first pass. This is a significant improvement over some cheaper patches I’ve used, and definitely better than my cut flannel.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, cleaning multiple firearms including a .54 caliber Hawken rifle and a .50 caliber inline muzzleloader, the M-LOADER ORIGINAL WONDER PATCHES have proven to be consistently reliable. They hold up well to repeated scrubbing and solvent exposure.
There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the remaining patches in the package. They are stored in a sealed container to prevent moisture absorption, which helps maintain their integrity. Maintaining them is as easy as keeping them dry and in a closed container.
Compared to previous experiences with other brands, the M-LOADER ORIGINAL WONDER PATCHES offer a good balance of affordability and performance. They don’t outperform high-end, specialized cleaning patches, but they certainly hold their own against more expensive generic options and are a vast improvement over cutting my own.
Breaking Down the Features of M-LOADER ORIGINAL WONDER PATCH
Specifications
- Caliber: .50-.59 inches (intended for firearms with bore diameters within this range). This makes them versatile for various muzzleloaders and some larger-caliber firearms.
- Thickness: .010 inches. This thickness provides a good balance between absorption and a snug fit within the bore.
- Quantity: 100 patches per pack. This provides a sufficient supply for multiple cleaning sessions.
- Material: Presumed to be cotton (though not explicitly stated on the packaging). Cotton is a common and effective material for cleaning patches due to its absorbency and softness.
- Pre-cut: Yes. The patches are pre-cut to a uniform size, eliminating the need for manual cutting and ensuring consistency.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the cleaning effectiveness and user experience. Correct caliber sizing ensures a proper fit for effective scrubbing, while the appropriate thickness ensures optimal solvent absorption and debris removal. The quantity provides a long-lasting supply, and the pre-cut design saves time and effort.
Performance & Functionality
The M-LOADER ORIGINAL WONDER PATCHES perform their intended job of cleaning firearm bores effectively. They provide excellent scrubbing action and solvent absorption, removing powder residue and fouling with ease.
Their main strength lies in their consistency and ease of use. The pre-cut design eliminates guesswork and ensures a uniform cleaning process. A potential weakness could be the generic material; specialized patches might offer superior performance for specific types of fouling.
The patches meet expectations for a basic cleaning patch. They are reliable, affordable, and get the job done.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional: a round, pre-cut patch. The material feels soft and doesn’t appear abrasive, minimizing the risk of bore damage.
They are incredibly user-friendly. No learning curve is involved – simply attach the patch to a cleaning jag or loop and proceed with cleaning.
Durability & Maintenance
The patches themselves are disposable and not intended for reuse. However, they hold up well during the cleaning process, resisting tearing and disintegration under normal use.
Maintenance involves simply storing the unused patches in a dry, sealed container to prevent moisture absorption. This is standard practice for all cotton cleaning supplies.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come with the M-LOADER ORIGINAL WONDER PATCHES themselves. They are designed to be used with existing cleaning rods, jags, and solvents.
The patches are compatible with any cleaning rod and jag designed for the specified caliber range (.50-.59 inches). No customization options are available, as they are a basic consumable item.
Pros and Cons of M-LOADER ORIGINAL WONDER PATCH
Pros
- Affordable: The price point of $6.49 for 100 patches makes them a budget-friendly option.
- Pre-cut & Consistent: Eliminates the hassle of cutting patches and ensures uniform size.
- Effective Cleaning: Adequately removes powder residue and fouling from firearm bores.
- Low Lint: Leaves minimal lint behind compared to some cheaper options.
- Versatile: Suitable for a range of .50 to .59 caliber firearms.
Cons
- Generic Material: May not offer the specialized cleaning properties of more expensive, purpose-built patches.
- Packaging: Basic packaging that doesn’t offer ideal long-term storage.
Who Should Buy M-LOADER ORIGINAL WONDER PATCH?
Perfect for: Muzzleloader enthusiasts, recreational shooters, and anyone looking for an affordable and convenient way to clean their firearms. These patches are ideal for those who value simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Who should skip this product? Competitive shooters or those who demand the absolute best cleaning performance, regardless of cost, might prefer specialized patches designed for specific types of fouling or bore materials.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality cleaning rod, appropriate bore solvent, and a jag or loop of the correct size are essential for using these patches effectively.
Conclusion on M-LOADER ORIGINAL WONDER PATCH
The M-LOADER ORIGINAL WONDER PATCH is a simple yet effective product that delivers on its promise of convenient and affordable firearm cleaning. They may not be the most high-tech cleaning solution on the market, but they offer excellent value for the price.
The $6.49 price is definitely justified for the convenience and consistency they provide. Cutting my own patches was always a chore, and these M-LOADER patches eliminate that hassle.
I would personally recommend the M-LOADER ORIGINAL WONDER PATCH to anyone looking for a reliable and budget-friendly way to keep their firearms clean. They are a great choice for muzzleloader shooters and anyone who wants to simplify their cleaning routine. Give them a try and see for yourself!