Let’s Dive into Traditions A1286 EZ Clean 2 Pillow Ticking Patches .45-.54 100% Cotton 100 Pack
Muzzleloading is an art, a tradition, and a precise science all rolled into one. The heart of that science often lies in the seemingly simple patch. Traditions A1286 EZ Clean 2 Pillow Ticking Patches .45-.54 100% Cotton 100 Pack promises a blend of authenticity, consistency, and enhanced cleaning, making it a contender in a market saturated with options. These patches are designed for .45 to .54 caliber rifles and pistols and come pre-lubed with Traditions EZ Clean 2 1000 Plus Lube.
My journey with muzzleloaders began over a decade ago, hunting whitetail in the dense forests of Pennsylvania. Consistent accuracy was always a challenge, and finding the right patch became a never-ending quest. These Traditions patches piqued my interest because of their promise of uniformity and ease of cleaning.
The package arrived as a simple, resealable bag. Upon opening it, I noticed a distinct, not unpleasant, odor of the Traditions EZ Clean 2 lube. The patches themselves felt robust and well-woven, definitely not flimsy.
I’ve used other pre-lubed patches from Hoppe’s and even experimented with DIY patching using denim scraps. The Hoppe’s patches were inconsistent in thickness and the denim patches, while durable, were hard to get just right. I chose the Traditions A1286 EZ Clean 2 Pillow Ticking Patches because I was hoping for the consistent accuracy of a pre-cut, pre-lubed patch with the added bonus of easier cleaning.
My first impression was positive. The patches looked and felt like they meant business. I was excited to get to the range and see if they lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Traditions A1286 EZ Clean 2 Pillow Ticking Patches .45-.54 100% Cotton 100 Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was my local outdoor shooting range, a place familiar to me and perfect for controlled experimentation. I used them with my .50 caliber Traditions Deerhunter rifle. The day was mild and dry, ideal conditions for sighting in.
The patches loaded smoothly and snugly around the .490 round balls I was using. The pre-lube made seating the ball much easier than with dry patches. After a few shots, I noticed significantly less fouling than with some other lubes I’ve used.
The ease of use was remarkable. No fuss, no mess. I experienced no misfires, and the patches seemed to grip the rifling well. My initial groupings at 50 yards were tighter than usual, a promising sign.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few months, I continued to use the Traditions A1286 EZ Clean 2 Pillow Ticking Patches during various range sessions. I also took them along on a late-season muzzleloader hunt in the Pocono Mountains. The weather ranged from crisp mornings to damp, drizzly afternoons.
The patches held up remarkably well, even in the less-than-ideal conditions of the hunt. I experienced no tearing or shredding, even after multiple shots without swabbing the barrel. Cleaning remained easier than with other lubes, requiring fewer patches to get the bore spotless.
The Traditions A1286 EZ Clean 2 Pillow Ticking Patches definitely outperformed my previous experiences with home-made denim patches and some of the cheaper, generic pre-lubed options. The consistency and reliability of these patches gave me added confidence in my muzzleloader.
Breaking Down the Features of Traditions A1286 EZ Clean 2 Pillow Ticking Patches .45-.54 100% Cotton 100 Pack
Specifications
- Caliber Compatibility: .45 – .54 caliber. These patches are designed to work with a wide range of popular muzzleloader calibers.
- Material: 100% Cotton. The use of natural cotton ensures good grip on the rifling and consistent performance.
- Lubrication: Pre-lubed with Traditions EZ Clean 2 1000 Plus Lube. This lube is designed to minimize fouling and make cleaning easier.
- Quantity: 100 patches per pack. A single pack provides enough patches for multiple shooting sessions or hunting trips.
- Construction: Tightly woven pillow ticking pattern. This pattern provides a consistent thickness and texture for reliable accuracy.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the accuracy and ease of use of the muzzleloader. The correct caliber ensures a snug fit, while the cotton material provides the necessary friction to spin the ball. The pre-lube minimizes fouling, leading to more consistent shots and easier cleaning.
Performance & Functionality
The Traditions A1286 EZ Clean 2 Pillow Ticking Patches perform their job admirably. They provide a consistent seal around the projectile, ensuring optimal gas pressure and accuracy. The pre-lube minimizes fouling and allows for extended shooting sessions without significant loss of accuracy.
The primary strength is their consistency. Each patch is uniform in size and thickness, leading to predictable results. A potential weakness could be the specific lube; while it works well, some shooters might prefer a different type of lubricant.
These patches definitely meet my expectations. They offer a noticeable improvement in accuracy and ease of cleaning compared to other options I’ve tried.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The 100% cotton material feels robust and durable. The pre-lube is evenly applied and doesn’t make the patches overly greasy.
These patches are incredibly user-friendly. There is no learning curve. Just open the pack, grab a patch, and load your muzzleloader.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care and storage, these patches should last for years. The 100% cotton construction is inherently durable. The EZ Clean 2 lube also helps to protect the bore of the rifle.
Cleaning the rifle after using these patches is significantly easier than with other lubes I’ve tried. Hot water and a few patches are usually enough to remove any remaining residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Traditions A1286 EZ Clean 2 Pillow Ticking Patches are a stand-alone product and don’t require additional accessories for their primary function. However, the choice of projectile and powder charge can be considered customization options. Different projectiles may require different patch thicknesses for optimal accuracy.
These patches are compatible with a wide range of round balls and conical bullets designed for .45 to .54 caliber muzzleloaders. They are a versatile choice for various shooting and hunting applications.
Pros and Cons of Traditions A1286 EZ Clean 2 Pillow Ticking Patches .45-.54 100% Cotton 100 Pack
Pros
- Consistent Accuracy: Uniform size and thickness contribute to reliable shot placement.
- EZ Clean 2 Lube: Reduces fouling and simplifies cleaning.
- 100% Cotton: Provides excellent grip on rifling and consistent performance.
- Pre-Lubed: Saves time and effort during loading.
- Versatile Caliber Compatibility: Works with .45 to .54 caliber muzzleloaders.
Cons
- Lube Preference: Some shooters may prefer a different type of lubricant.
- Packaging: A more robust container could prevent damage during shipping.
Who Should Buy Traditions A1286 EZ Clean 2 Pillow Ticking Patches .45-.54 100% Cotton 100 Pack?
These patches are perfect for muzzleloading hunters seeking consistent accuracy and easy cleaning. They are also ideal for recreational shooters who want to spend more time shooting and less time cleaning. Newcomers to muzzleloading will appreciate the ease of use and reliability of these pre-lubed patches.
Those who prefer to experiment with different lubes or make their own patches might want to skip this product. Shooters who require specialized patches for specific projectiles or custom rifles might also need to look elsewhere.
A nipple pick and a good quality powder measure are must-have accessories to complement these patches. Consider experimenting with different powder charges to find the optimal load for your rifle and projectile.
Conclusion on Traditions A1286 EZ Clean 2 Pillow Ticking Patches .45-.54 100% Cotton 100 Pack
The Traditions A1286 EZ Clean 2 Pillow Ticking Patches .45-.54 100% Cotton 100 Pack is a solid choice for muzzleloading enthusiasts. The consistency, ease of use, and enhanced cleaning make them a worthwhile investment. At $9.40 for a pack of 100, the price is justified, especially considering the improved accuracy and reduced cleaning time.
I would personally recommend these patches to anyone looking for a reliable and convenient option for their muzzleloader. They are a small investment that can make a big difference in your shooting experience.
Ready to experience the difference? Pick up a pack of Traditions A1286 EZ Clean 2 Pillow Ticking Patches and get ready to shoot cleaner, more accurate shots!