Paper Wet or Dry?

[Eric Johanen]

I do not use a board to patch, just my fingers like rolling a old time smoke. Line up the tip of the patch on the bullet with 3/32" over the base for the fold and then just roll tightly and finish off with a roll between thumb and fore finger to fold the base patch. Press on the table and let dry. It's pretty easy with some practice and the old Mark I eyeball can tell when you have a 3/32" overhang. Load them either sized or un-sized depending on case fit and you're good to go. Tried the same method today with a dry patch and it is just about as easy only the dry patch is a bit harder because the tip o the patch does not stick in place on the bullet as you begin to roll. I'd need some practice dry wrapping. Wet patching I get a bit thinner from shrinkage then the dry paper thickness.