Keepin' your powder dry

[USAFpj]

Well, my first time out with a side lock TC Renegade didn't work out so well.  I blasted a shot the previous night to a hunt, and didn't clean it.  Knowing that it would fire, I filled her again and placed it in my heated tent .  Oh yeah, all kinds of newbie mistakes!  The next morning, I placed a cap on the nipple and away I went in the pouring rain.  At the end of the day, you guessed it, no fire.  Next move will be to thoroughly clean it after I remove the ball, fill it again, place electrical tape over the end, and place a cap on the nipple with chapstick around the base of the cap.  Is there anything else I should consider?  Do any of you place suran wrap over the lock?  Any other tricks to beating the moisture?

[Selkirk]

I'm not sure if saran wrapping the lock would be legal.  The regs say that it has to be exposed to the elements (or something like that).  I've also had ignition problems with my Lyman Trade Rifle but they went away, for the most part, after switching to musket caps.

[bobcat]

When you load your rifle do you tap the barrel to get the powder to drop down into it all the way? Another good trick if you want to be sure it will go off, is after you load powder and bullet, remove the nipple, and pour just a little triple F down in there, and screw the nipple back on. That way there's no doubt that the fire will get to the powder and ignite it.

And yes you can use plastic wrap around your entire gun if you like. I've never done it, but it's legal.

I'm thinking about hunting with my bow this weekend if it's raining hard, just so I don't have to worry about it.

[USAFpj]

Bobcat, I can't say that I tap the barrel, but I sure pack down the patch and round ball with the ramrod.  After removing the ball, the powder behind the patch is bone dry, but there is indeed a 'clump' of wet powder right at the bore base.  I cleaned it really good, tried my best to ensure the channel between the nipple and bore was dry, and placed some grease on the threads of the nipple.  I'll ensure to carry the lock under my armpit tomorrow and fire/clean it each night.

[washelkhunter]

Bet that wet powder is wet with lube of some type, not water.

[USAFpj]

After I shot it successfully the previous night, I didn't use any lube .  I was thinking that the ignition had dried all the lube I had used previously.  The only thing I used on the patch was saliva, and only on the edges that would meet the barrel.

[Smokepole54]

Maybe use a shot wad or card wad to help keep moisture out

[dawhunt]

Don't take it into a warm tent !!! when you go hunting the next morning if its cold and wet CONDENSATION will form and your powder will get wet and not fire !!
Bob

[Lcl 66 Tinner]

After I shot it successfully the previous night, I didn't use any lube .  I was thinking that the ignition had dried all the lube I had used previously.  The only thing I used on the patch was saliva, and only on the edges that would meet the barrel.

Instead of a spit patch use a lubed patch (bore butter). And at night put a lubed patch over the nipple and rest the hammer on the nipple.This is how the mountain men did it. Also when you put your cap on the nipple, rest the hammer on the cap and seat the cap on the nipple by pushing the hammer on the cap.If you do this correctly, you shouldnt be able to take the cap off by hand, so be sure to carry a pocket knife. This has worked for me in the wettest conditions. Another question is: After you fired off your first round and before you loaded your second round did you fired just a cap to make sure that the nipple was clear? This is always a good idea and I always fire 3 caps, pointing the muzzle at a blade of grass or something that will move to confirm that the nipple is clear before loading up. Dont take your gun in at night, leave it in your rig and lock it up.

[USAFpj]

Got me some bore butter now and I have learned about the condensation issue; didn't know that the pyrodex is hygroscopic, so you live and you learn .  Just to clarify the hammer resting against the cap- you hunt this way as well?  I thought it made the best sense for weather, but didn't know if it passed the 'is that safe' test?  I have not been shooting the caps, I've been using a pipe cleaner to grab any moisture that may be in that channel.  Between this board and the rifle, it'll teach me what works.  If you're going to be stupid, you better be hard...

[lokidog]

Don't hunt with the hammer resting on the cap.  He was referring to pushing the cap down to make sure it is seated all the way onto the nipple.  This will usually stretch the cap a bit and make for a really tight seal, hence needing a pocket knofe to remove it.  The barrel "tapping" as mentioned is also important as it distributed the loose powder into the lock channel so the spark can get to it easily and faster as this will also shorten your lock time by a couple hundreths of a second.  I had one gun that I always had to put a little powder in under the nipple, however, I ended up stripping the nipple threads which sucked.

Be sure to put electrical tape or something over your muzzle so water does not soak down in.  Using prelubed patches should help prevent this as the grease should be somewhat water repellant and keep the moisture in front of the ball.

Good luck.

[finfeatherfur]

All good information. 

One thing I do prior to loading is run the ramrod and cleaning jag down the barrel with a clean dry patch.  Then cap the nipple, point the gun in a safe direction and fire the cap.  Pull out the ramrod and inspect the patch.  If there is a definitive circular burn pattern you have a clear path to the powder.  I have always believed that this also dries out the nipple and base of the bore.  Oh,  and make sure the gun is not loaded when doing this - shouldn't have to say that but probably need to.

good luck.

[Machias]

Just curious, you using #11s or musket caps?

[USAFpj]

11's.

[Machias]

It most likely wouldn't have mattered this case, but eventually you'll have other issues.  I would recommend you get a musket nipple and the German caps and you'll have a much less chance of having a misfire.  I had several misfires, usually at the wrong moment.  Since switching to the musket nipples and German caps, I think they are RWS caps, haven't had a misfire in a looong time.  Good luck.  What bullets you using?

[USAFpj]

Patched round ball, with bore butter for patch lube.

[grundy53]

Anyone use a condom instead of electrical tape for the muzzle?

[Lcl 66 Tinner]

Got me some bore butter now and I have learned about the condensation issue; didn't know that the pyrodex is hygroscopic, so you live and you learn .  Just to clarify the hammer resting against the cap- you hunt this way as well?  I thought it made the best sense for weather, but didn't know if it passed the 'is that safe' test?  I have not been shooting the caps, I've been using a pipe cleaner to grab any moisture that may be in that channel.  Between this board and the rifle, it'll teach me what works.  If you're going to be stupid, you better be hard...

No I dont hunt this way. I bring the hammer to half cock and set my set trigger, one less click when the time comes. If your rifle has a set trigger this is a good habit to get into. If you continue to use Pyrodex (pellets I assume) pour about 5 grains of loose powder (FFF) before the pellets. This will help ignition of the pellets.

[Lcl 66 Tinner]

Anyone use a condom instead of electrical tape for the muzzle?

Condoms, no but the finger condoms Yes. You can buy a pack of 50 or so for about $3 at Rite-Aid if you dont mind white or you can spend about $10 for 5 in black at Cabelas.

[USAFpj]

Tinner, I'm using loose pyrodex powder.

[Lcl 66 Tinner]

Tinner, I'm using loose pyrodex powder.

Try using real black powder like Goex, you may have better luck. Are you using FF or FFF. Synthetic powder were designed for a 209 primer which burns hotter then 11s or musket caps.

[USAFpj]

RS- FFG equivalant

[Lcl 66 Tinner]

RS- FFG equivalant

Look in your owners manual and see if you can use FFF, usually its about 10 grains less then FF and youll have a faster ignition.

[lokidog]

Got me some bore butter now and I have learned about the condensation issue; didn't know that the pyrodex is hygroscopic, so you live and you learn .  Just to clarify the hammer resting against the cap- you hunt this way as well?  I thought it made the best sense for weather, but didn't know if it passed the 'is that safe' test?  I have not been shooting the caps, I've been using a pipe cleaner to grab any moisture that may be in that channel.  Between this board and the rifle, it'll teach me what works.  If you're going to be stupid, you better be hard...

No I dont hunt this way. I bring the hammer to half cock and set my set trigger, one less click when the time comes. If your rifle has a set trigger this is a good habit to get into. If you continue to use Pyrodex (pellets I assume) pour about 5 grains of loose powder (FFF) before the pellets. This will help ignition of the pellets.

I, personally, would not set my set trigger as it makes the trigger on my Hawken go off at something like a pound of pressure or so (never measured it, but it is really light).  I would be very worried about a twig or a fall setting it off.  If you are close enough for them to hear the click of the set trigger, you are probably close enough not to need it.  This is just my opinion and I am not flaming you for what you do.   

[Lcl 66 Tinner]

Got me some bore butter now and I have learned about the condensation issue; didn't know that the pyrodex is hygroscopic, so you live and you learn .  Just to clarify the hammer resting against the cap- you hunt this way as well?  I thought it made the best sense for weather, but didn't know if it passed the 'is that safe' test?  I have not been shooting the caps, I've been using a pipe cleaner to grab any moisture that may be in that channel.  Between this board and the rifle, it'll teach me what works.  If you're going to be stupid, you better be hard...

No I dont hunt this way. I bring the hammer to half cock and set my set trigger, one less click when the time comes. If your rifle has a set trigger this is a good habit to get into. If you continue to use Pyrodex (pellets I assume) pour about 5 grains of loose powder (FFF) before the pellets. This will help ignition of the pellets.

I, personally, would not set my set trigger as it makes the trigger on my Hawken go off at something like a pound of pressure or so (never measured it, but it is really light).  I would be very worried about a twig or a fall setting it off.  If you are close enough for them to hear the click of the set trigger, you are probably close enough not to need it.  This is just my opinion and I am not flaming you for what you do.   

Loki, how dare you criticize me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! just joking. The half cock is the safety as you know. My trigger is very light also when the set trigger is set. whats the difference with a 30-30 lever gun? Some people on other threads get pretty butt hurt on criticisum. Sorry for the spelling.

[robescc]

I switched to Triple Seven and Magnum no. 11 caps and have not had a misfire since. When I used Pyrodex, it was a guessing game if it would fire.

[lonedave]

I use a leather calves knee rubbed with Sno-seal or similar grease and keep the lock up under my armpit with the muzzle down.  Stays dry in a pouring rain.  I leave my gun in the truck at night.

[lokidog]

Got me some bore butter now and I have learned about the condensation issue; didn't know that the pyrodex is hygroscopic, so you live and you learn .  Just to clarify the hammer resting against the cap- you hunt this way as well?  I thought it made the best sense for weather, but didn't know if it passed the 'is that safe' test?  I have not been shooting the caps, I've been using a pipe cleaner to grab any moisture that may be in that channel.  Between this board and the rifle, it'll teach me what works.  If you're going to be stupid, you better be hard...

No I dont hunt this way. I bring the hammer to half cock and set my set trigger, one less click when the time comes. If your rifle has a set trigger this is a good habit to get into. If you continue to use Pyrodex (pellets I assume) pour about 5 grains of loose powder (FFF) before the pellets. This will help ignition of the pellets.

I, personally, would not set my set trigger as it makes the trigger on my Hawken go off at something like a pound of pressure or so (never measured it, but it is really light).  I would be very worried about a twig or a fall setting it off.  If you are close enough for them to hear the click of the set trigger, you are probably close enough not to need it.  This is just my opinion and I am not flaming you for what you do.   

Loki, how dare you criticize me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! just joking. The half cock is the safety as you know. My trigger is very light also when the set trigger is set. whats the difference with a 30-30 lever gun? Some people on other threads get pretty butt hurt on criticisum. Sorry for the spelling.

Oops!  I wasn't thinking about the half-cocked part as I didn't even know the set trigger would set in that position.   

[Leanne]

keep the lock up under my armpit with the muzzle down.  Stays dry in a pouring rain. 

Bingo!  I have three blacktails on the wall that I have shot with a load that had been in the gun for days while hunting in western washington conditions and I have 4 other bucks as well, in 10 years of muzzleloading I have never once had a misfire ever while out hunting, only when shooting at the range after putting a lot of slugs through the gun and it was just letting me know time to clean her out!

No need too wrap the ignition or tape the barrel, just pay attention.

[MountainWalk]

All pretty good info! Especially the tidbit about removing the nipple and using fine powder.  Side note, I've been using American Pioneer Powder, which comes in little plastice clear tubes of pre-measured 100 grain charges. 25 charges to a can for 15 bucks. Cleans well, good weather resistance, not very smokey and no sulfur.  At first I was wary about the 100 grain charge, because my past exp with charges that big was loose groups. Not with this stuff.  Good hunting!

[BallardBound]

I spent the last two weekends in the rain in North River unit.  Goex, balloon on barrel, I put a tire valve stem over the nipple after the cap, covers the whole nipple.  I just pulled it off when cocking.  Cheap, have four spares on  the rig.  Fired fine in a downpour.(TC New Englander sidelock)