This may be a silly question but I have it so I'll ask it.
I've heard several people, on here and in person, say that they shoot spit patches on the range but lubed patches in the field and hunting. What I want to know is why? It seems to me that if you want to put rounds on target, everything needs to be the same as what you are used to on the range. Everyone likes to play, look for tighter groups, and just make a lot of smoke and noise. But, wouldn't it make kind of a big difference?
The reason (for me) is lubed patches create a LOT more fouling, requiring wiping every 5 shots or so. I can shoot spit patch all day with no wiping. Also, when hunting, when you have the same load in for several days, you don't run the risk of dampening your powder or causing a rust ring as you do with a spit patch. As for accuracy, I've seen no difference between the two.
the only reason I use any kind of lube other than spit for hunting is rust prevention ! I get great accuracy with spit patches , it costs less , and it`s likely more period correct ! and frankly I`ve never seen that much difference in accuracy between the two ! if the ball diameter and patch material is the same the results are generally very close ! those are my findings !as the saying goes your mileage may vary !