Adobe .PDF - Thompson Center Arms

Ignitionin a MuzzleloaderConsidering that Black Powder ignites easily and burns almost instantaneously,it would not seem that ignition could create problems for themuzzleloading enthusiast. Yet, it was in the age of Black Powder that suchterms as misfire, hangfire and flash in the pan found their origins. The problem,of course, is that the muzzleloader requires a great deal more care inits cleaning and handling than does a modern cartridge firearm (see sectionon “Cleaning Your Muzzleloading Firearm.”)The propellant Black Powder charge may not ignite if the nipple port isblocked by fouling, if the charge is dampened by oil or water or if the powderand/or caps have been allowed to deteriorate by improper storage (exposureto extreme temperature changes and/or dampness). Maintain the highquality of your Thompson/Center muzzleloader by meticulous cleaning.Make certain that the chamber, nipple port, pan and flashhole are free fromoil, water or powder fouling. An appropriate nipple pick is a handy tool forcleaning nipple ports and flashholes. Thompson/Center cap lock rifles, shotgunsand pistols use a No.11 percussion cap or in some instances, a musketcap or #209 shotgun primer and it is important that the caps or primers fitproperly on their respective nipples. Use only high quality caps or primersand make certain that the cap is pushed securely onto the nipple, or theprimer securely into the primer pocket of the breech plug.Pyrodex, while cleaner burning, is somewhat harder to ignite than BlackPowder. If while shooting, you should experience a misfire, hold the firearmdownrange and treat the firearm as if it could go off at any minute - it might.After waiting at least one minute, clean out the nipple port or flashhole usingyour nipple pick. Replace the priming charge(flint lock) or percussioncap (or primer) and try firing the rifle again. Continue to point the firearmdownrange while clearing ignition ports and repriming to prevent injury inthe event of a discharge. If, after several tries, the firearm still refuses to fire,then the charge must be deactivated and pulled (See section on “Pulling aCharge”). FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAYCAUSE DAMAGE TO THE FIREARM AND INJURY AND/OR DEATHTO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.16