Post by: luvmystang67 on September 30, 2015, 07:54:03 AM
Here's my issue. I changed the sights out for a tang mounted peep and a hooded sight up front. I actually really like my sight set up.
Problem is, last 4 times out, 3 of them I had misfires. I even swab the barrel before I shoot, pop a few caps through and clean the nipple. Once I've shot one, I can shoot 20 in a row without a hiccup (swabbing between shots). I use musket caps.
I used to have a cheap inline and had no idea what I was doing and used No. 11 primers and NEVER had a problem. At this point, I'm strongly considering purchasing an inline before my Upper Smith Creek bull hunt to avoid "pop".
A secondary issue is that I cannot find .54 ammo anywhere. As I get it sighted in I run out of any ammo I have. Does anyone know any stores that actively carry .54 powerbelts right now? I'm running out of time.
One last headache, I sighted it in wearing muffs, but I switched to ear plugs last time and my point of impact was up probably 4".
Oh yeah, and sometimes I run my cleaning swab down and it gets stuck on the way back up. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING!?! I need 2 people and a pair of channel locks to yank it out. Seriously... considering going back to the inline.
:bash: :bash: :bash: :bash:
Post by: Patarero on September 30, 2015, 08:18:40 AM
No clue on ammo, it is rare that I actually find ammo I want (center fire or mz) in a store these days. I would be putting an order in right now and using fedex for delivery.
Suction. This happens with my rifle. If the nipple is not clear and partially clogged a wet patch will act like a plunger, making it very difficult to pull out. I have found that running a wet patch down only about 1/2-3/4 of the barrel on the first pass will avoid the issue on my rifle. Once air can move through the system you shouldn't have an issue pulling it back out. Might be a different issue with your gun though.
Post by: luvmystang67 on September 30, 2015, 08:31:00 AM
Also, are there like "powder chambers" in these? When I run a copper brush down it necks down towards the base. Maybe that is where my patch is getting caught?
I'm thinking about putting a little powder under my nipple for first shot... How bad of an idea is that?
Post by: T-Bone on September 30, 2015, 09:10:41 AM
The above process is actually fairly quick; however, with any BP firearm, you need to clean it ASAP after shooting. I've shot a traditional T/C Hawken-type muzzleloader for decades with #11 caps and Pyrodex RS Select and never had a misfire by strictly staying to the above.
As to .54 cal Powerbelt bullets, try Cabela's, Sportco or on-line; my local White Elephant in Spokane Valley had a good supply recently. They and Lyman Great Plains bullets shoot very well out of my .54 and are still being made. Better luck and good hunting.
Tom
Post by: zike on September 30, 2015, 09:28:38 AM
Post by: luvmystang67 on September 30, 2015, 10:04:55 AM
Anyone know of places near Everett that sell .54?
Cabelas has usually only had round balls...
Also, will my .54 bullets fit in a .50 speed loader?
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on September 30, 2015, 10:51:09 AM
Post by: Harleysboss on September 30, 2015, 11:22:14 AM
Post by: luvmystang67 on September 30, 2015, 12:20:53 PM
Your gun has a small chamber at the breech area and the powder has to filter and settle into this chamber for the fire from your cap to set it off. Before shooting or loading for the range or hunting try running a 91% alcohol patch down the bore, followed by a dry patch. Also take the nipple out and clean the flash channel. Now let the alcohol evaporate and leave a clean dry oil free barrel. Before putting the nipple back on blow some air down the barrel. You should be able to hear it exiting the drum where the nipple goes. If you hear moisture then things are not dry yet. My lyman rifle is similar to yours and the powder chamber in the breech is I think a 38cal. I use a 38 pistol brush to clean down in side it. Before loading you can still pop a cap or two just to make sure the flash channel is nice and clear/dry. What powder are you using? 3f may be better than 2f it will settle down in the breech better. I also give my rifle several good slaps on the side of the lock area to settle the powder and get it started toward the drum/cap. Muzzle loaders are like women..gotta treat um right. OH Ya I Agree with the other poster from above...with that tag why are we waiting till now to work out the bugs..buy ammo..think about new rifles etc. Good Luck on killing a nice bull.
I started a while ago. I've put 40 rounds through it in the last few days. I thought that I could fix any concerns I had with being more diligent. I'm using Pyrodex P (FFF) currently. The misfire thing is the real bummer. I thought by swabbing and snapping a few caps in it that I'd be able to nix the issue. Turning out not to be that good. The only reason I'm looking to buy ammo is that I'm shooting through my stock more than I though I would. I only get to experience the "first shot misfire" once per shooting session and unfortunately I no longer live in an area where I can shoot out my back door.
Thanks for your suggestions. I think I can lick this thing. More shooting tonight. I know where some 348 grain powerbelts are. I've got the hard part done... the elk are located. Just want to make sure this thing goes off. I feel solid already at 100 yards, I just want ot feel solid beyond that and ensure my gun goes off.
:tup: :tup:
Post by: D-Rock425 on September 30, 2015, 12:53:22 PM
Post by: Rooster1981 on October 09, 2015, 09:05:16 PM
I shoot the same gun, but I load APP fff with 430 grn maxi balls from Track of the wolf. They ship fast and have good prices . APP is a nice clean burning powder, which I have had great results with. . Not that this is of much help since your hunt had has already started. I too always put a few grains under the nipple and I use the 10.75 German caps they give off a real nice spark. The only time I get a ramrod stuck is when the barrel is too dry. Like said before if you are too aggressive with your cleaning and remove the coating in the barrel a dry patch will almost always get stuck in the chamber. IMO the chamber in these rifles must be somewhat rough NOT smooth. So a dry patch on a rough surface would likely get stuck.
When I clean I use t/c 1000 and really soak the patch I'll even dribble it down the barrel until it runs out the nipple. then just run the patches until clean then bore butter real good, repeat with a couple dry patches just to remove excess bore butter. before loading just make sure the chamber is 100% dry of the t/c 1000. I very rarely have to use a brass brush. In ten years with my cabelas hawken I've only had one miss fire because of old standard cci #11 caps. since then I only use the magnums or German caps.