T/C Hawken Percussion Failure to Fire

[samo5685]

Question for you guys.  I hadn't had any previous problems with my T/C Percussion Hawken until when I went to sight in for this hunting season I fired probably around 15 shots and cleaned the barrel between shots and then started having misfires.  I've cleaned the gun by using hot soapy water and even replaced the nipple.  Still continuing to have missfires.  It has been taking two caps(no. 11) to get it to fire.  I'm at a loss for ideas.  Also, in what configuration do you carry you muzzleloader for hunting (ex. tape on barrel).  Good Hunting.

[ArrowH]

Are the caps firing each time?

[samo5685]

Yes the Caps are firing. It is hit or miss on whether it fires the first time or the second or third.

[ArrowH]

I would try some different powder then, that could be your problem, and an easy place to start.

[ArrowH]

I hit reply to soon, also try running a pick down and making sure the flash holes clear

[ghosthunter]

I was at the range today with buddy. He had the same problem but he had just changed to these white pellets. His # 11 would not fire the stuff. He changed the nipple to take the larger caps that worked.
Front stuffers are pretty straight foreward. Its the cap,the powder or the nipple.
If yor caps are firing every time than look at nipple or powder.
I tried to use some prodex pellets I bought 4 years ago. I had about a dozen left. could not get my gun to go with six musket caps. dumped the load and opened a new box of pellets . No problem.
Try fresh powder. New can. Or new box of pellets.
Sometimes caps will not fire if they are not on the nipple far enough.

[carpsniperg2]

Powder is bad or the nipple hole is blocked enough to keep the fire from the main charge is my bet.

[bobcat]

I hit reply to soon, also try running a pick down and making sure the flash holes clear

Sounds to me like this is what the problem is. You might have a fragment of a fired cap in there, or something else that's partly blocking the hole and keeping the flame from getting in there to ignite the powder every time.

[samo5685]

The nipple hole is clear.  I think you guys could be right with the powder it has been open for over a year.  Thanks, I will change powders and post results.

[50CalJim]

Defiantly sounds like your Powder has some moisture issues. Buy some new Powder.

[Dirty Mike]

Are you using pellets?  If so they are not made for the hawken loose only

[samo5685]

Thanks guys, changed powder and nipple back in business.  Now to get a deer to line itself in front of the sights.