A patch box is a patch storage compartment on

muzzleloader A muzzleloader is any firearm into which the projectile and the propellant charge is loaded from the muzzle of the gun (i.e., from the forward, open end of the gun's barrel). This is distinct from the modern (higher tech and harder to make) design ...

guns, usually built into the stock or butt of a rifle. Patches were used to wrap a

round shot A round shot (also called solid shot or simply ball) is a solid spherical projectile without explosive charge, launched from a gun. Its diameter is slightly less than the bore of the barrel from which it is shot. A round shot fired from a la ...

lead ball projectile so that it fit snugly in the muzzle of the gun creating the necessary seal. It also allowed undersized balls to be used. Patches were usually pre-cut and pre-lubricated, with grease, tallow, or something similar, so they were ready when needed. The patch box kept the patches handy for loading. The lubricant allowed relatively easy and rapid ramming of the ball into the muzzle, while still transferring the twist from the rifling to the projectile. The patch would generally fall away within feet of the muzzle after firing.

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Firearm components Early firearms Firearm terminology {{Firearms-stub