Adobe .PDF - Thompson Center Arms

Charging And PrimingThe Muzzleloading RifleIf you have not read this manual in its entirety, do so before attemptingto load YOUR firearm. IMPROPER LOADING AND USE OF YOURFIREARM CAN CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTEROR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTYThe photo on page 26 pictures a shooter in the process of loading a muzzleloadingrifle. Study this photo carefully and read all of the captions before youproceed to charge your rifle.Before charging, insert the ramrod into the barrel and tap it up and down severaltimes. You will hear the metal cap of the ramrod “clink” as it contacts the steelface of the breech plug. Note exactly how far the ramrod goes into the barrel andhow much of the rod extends beyond the muzzle when the barrel is uncharged.Commit this exercise to memory and practice it every time that you handle a muzzleloadingfirearm. Before you attempt to load it - before you store it away - beforeyou hand it to a friend or leave it unattended, always check to ensure that thefirearm in uncharged.The next precharging exercise is to wipe the bore free of all oil. Be meticulouswith your cleaning - for the presence of any amount of oil in the barrel orchamber can dampen the powder charge and cause the rifle to misfire or hangfire(see section on “Cleaning”). Point the muzzle in a safe direction and snapseveral caps on the nipple before charging. This will ensure ignition and clear awayany oil that may have accumulated in the nipple port.If your rifle is a flint lock model, open the frizzen and wipe the pan area cleanwith a soft dry cloth. Run your frizzen pick or nipple pick into the flashhole to ensurethat it is free of fouling and debris. Do not snap off a priming charge beforecharging a flint lock as there is no indication that this practice actually helpsto clear away oil and residue from the chamber.Adjust the powder measure to the desired charge and fill it with Black Powderor an approved Black Powder substitute, such as Pyrodex®. To achieve accuracy,consistency in the powder charge is required. Fill the measure exactly thesame each time.The rifle is now ready to be charged. With a cap lock rifle, place the hammerin half-cock position. With a flint lock rifle, place the hammer in half-cockposition and open the frizzen (striker plate forward). The frizzen must beopen and the striker plate in a forward position to guard against accidentaldropping of the hammer which can spark ignition even in an unprimed rifle.29