Pull through - how to attach flannelette?

I have recently acquired a 1920/21 (receiver stamped ‘20, butt marked ‘21) Lithgow SMLE. I have only put about 25 rounds through it so far, but I have tried cleaning it a couple of times with my Parker-Hale cleaning rod. Every time I try to put a 4x2 patch through with the jag, it is either uncomfortably stiff to get through the barrel or gets stuck - yikes! After a couple of cleaning sessions, having tried multiple ways of wrapping the 4x2 around the jag, I have given up on it as a lost cause. Especially after today, since the rod got stuck again. That was the last straw for me, as I love caring for historical objects and I feel as though I am endangering this rifle by getting the rod stuck.

That leads to the subject of this thread. I have decided to abandon the jag and buy a pull-through. I have read about the proper procedure for using one, but there is one aspect which I can’t find any information on. That is, how exactly the 4x2 should be attached to it. I know to use the middle loop, but I can’t find whether the 4x2 should be left loose in the loop or wrapped around the pull-through cord.

If anyone could help me (and/or offer any other advice) that would be great!

I hope that I have put my question clearly enough.

Thanks,

William

I've had similar troubles using a full 4 x 2 on a jag.  It must be wrapped around the jag at about a 45 degree angle to the jag.  There is a description of this in one of the books I have, I think the one written by Reynolds and Robin Fulton, "Target Rifle Shooting".  The corners at the ends are turned under as it is wrapped around.  If your using a PH jag, the entire length of it is covered in the patch.  

I buy 3 x 3 flannel patches and cut them in half, roll them at 90 deg to the jag.  Works perfectly.  

I never thought a pull thru does much good except to apply some solvent in the bore, plus it risks wearing the muzzle unless you can pull it perfectly straight along the bore axis.  Many rifles released from service have muzzle cord wear (the reason the bore diameter is checked at the muzzle). 

  

I cut 4X2 patches in half making 1X4's then they work well.

Pull throughs are an emergency alternative at best because of the "cord worn" bores they cause.

If you MUST HAVE a pull through look at the commercial .30 cal "Bore Snakes"! They are way better than the old cord pull-throughs.

BWHAHAHaHahaha!

Note the "If you MUST HAVE" bit!

I actually have pull throughs & oil bottles in all of my stocks that have a butt trap, but its purely an emergency/collectible thing.

I normally use carbon fiber one-piece rods.