Breech Plug threads?

[deadyote]

So I am new to muzzle loading and just bought a CVA Elkhorn.  Talked with a few guys who got me pointed in the right direction.  This morning was the first time I got to shoot it and I was very pleased.  I used 100 grains of 777 and 295 grain Hornady SST's.  Once I got it dialed in, I was shooting 2" groups at 100 yards.  I was very pleased with the outcome.  Here is my question.  I cleaned the gun about every 2-3 shots and was keeping pretty tight groups, but when I was cleaning the gun, I was not able to really clean the threads on the inside of the barrel where the breach plug is and it made it tight to put the plug in and tight to get it out.  I was using No Seize lube and wasn't tightening it too tight.  Any suggestions on how to get the threads on the inside of the barrel clean.  I tried a brush, my fat fingers , and twisting a rag, but none worked as well as I wanted.  Any suggestions please.  Another question is I have seen some guys use an adapter on the end of their ram rod that makes it where you can stick a solvent rag down the barrel and swab in and out without the patch coming off, so you don't have to take the plug and nipple out every time you clean the gun.  Or should I pull the nipple and plug out every time I clean the gun?  Thanks for the advise. 

[erk444]

I would take out the nipple and plug every time you clean it for sure. It doesnt take to much time and it makes it easier to clean your barrel anyway. If you dont take it out every time, you may not be able to get it out at all. Also, I've heard you shouldn't clean you gun from the muzzle, but from the breech end. They sell bottle brushes that you can use to clean the threads. One big one for the breech plug threads and one small one for the nipple threads. I think its a good habit to get into.

[carpsniperg2]

yes every time you shoot the gun, take it apart and clean it well. if not the corrosion will be very bad, if let sit for awhile. What i use for a breech plug cleaner is a old tooth brush to get the threads good i shoot a elk horn as well and a black diamond xr. sounds like you are off to a good start.

[deadyote]

Sweet, thanks for the input.  I am sort of anal when it comes to keeping my guns clean and in good condition, so your input helps.  Thanks again and good luck this fall.

[AWS]

Took my old flintlock out saterday and can still cover three shots with the palm of my hand at 100yrds.  Never had the breech plug out as the barrel  is pinned to the stock.  Just run a few wet patches down it a couple dry ones and oil the barrel, wipe off the lock with a wet patch dry and oil.  Thirty plus yearand she still throws a round ball true.  I think you in line guys are way over thinking this muzzle loader thing.  Next thing you know your going to want powder and ball holders that insert from the breech end.

AWS

[WestPlains_Drifter]

I use a cheap electric toothbrush to clean the breech plug threads in my Elkhorn. I take it out after everyday I shot, seems to work really well. For the barrel I just keep an extra rod handy with a couple of patches on it and run it through after every shot. I learned my lesson a couple years ago and let the plug stay in a couple days  after bringing down a buck, I almost couldnt get it out.

[dawhunt]

Took my old flintlock out saterday and can still cover three shots with the palm of my hand at 100yrds.  Never had the breech plug out as the barrel  is pinned to the stock.  Just run a few wet patches down it a couple dry ones and oil the barrel, wipe off the lock with a wet patch dry and oil.  Thirty plus yearand she still throws a round ball true.  I think you in line guys are way over thinking this muzzle loader thing.  Next thing you know your going to want powder and ball holders that insert from the breech end.

AWS

They don't make that yet
Bob

[ML_Hunter]

to clean the threads inside of the barrel I use a 12 gauge nylon brush.  I works very well.  For the threads on the breech plug its self, I use a nylon brush, a tooth brush works just as well.  Sometimes in tight spots i'll use a brass brush.  I clean my muzzle loader and take it all apart after each time i shoot it, and after every couple of shots (2-4 shots) i'll run a few wet patches and a couple of dry patched down the bore.  Just makes it easier to load.

[bridgeman]

So I am new to muzzle loading and just bought a CVA Elkhorn.  Talked with a few guys who got me pointed in the right direction.  This morning was the first time I got to shoot it and I was very pleased.  I used 100 grains of 777 and 295 grain Hornady SST's.  Once I got it dialed in, I was shooting 2" groups at 100 yards.  I was very pleased with the outcome.  Here is my question.  I cleaned the gun about every 2-3 shots and was keeping pretty tight groups, but when I was cleaning the gun, I was not able to really clean the threads on the inside of the barrel where the breach plug is and it made it tight to put the plug in and tight to get it out.  I was using No Seize lube and wasn't tightening it too tight.  Any suggestions on how to get the threads on the inside of the barrel clean.  I tried a brush, my fat fingers , and twisting a rag, but none worked as well as I wanted.  Any suggestions please.  Another question is I have seen some guys use an adapter on the end of their ram rod that makes it where you can stick a solvent rag down the barrel and swab in and out without the patch coming off, so you don't have to take the plug and nipple out every time you clean the gun.  Or should I pull the nipple and plug out every time I clean the gun?  Thanks for the advise. 

After shooting the range or hunting season,break that ML down and duesh and swab the barrel it in hot soapy water. Run patches through it till its squeaky clean. Then swab some patches of bore butter or some other good barrell rust inhibitor. Do the same for the exterior as well to keep that rust away...happy swabbing

[Whitelightning]

Yes break it down and clean it after every use or you will not be a happy person. Use a good quality rust inhibitor as you would with any rifle. BORE BUTTER is not a good idea to use as a rust inhibitor.

[bridgeman]

Yes break it down and clean it after every use or you will not be a happy person. Use a good quality rust inhibitor as you would with any rifle. BORE BUTTER is not a good idea to use as a rust inhibitor.

Probably not as a rust inhibitor but as a means of storing the ML after the season...hows that..

[superdown]

I use a t/c breech plug cleaner ,anti-seize and a 1/2 in plumbers pipe brush.