.54 is hanging like an ape

[huntnpack]

New to me. It’s had at most 70 shots through it in its life. I ran a couple caps through it before firing. Maybe should have wiped it out first but it’s hanging badly. The nipple is in great shape. Any advice. I’m stuck with pyrodex at the moment even though I’d love some real BP.

 

[cgasner1]

I try to pour my powder in so it can get some into where the cap is kinda roll the gun around while it’s loose before seating a bullet. Definitely ditch the pyrodex and get some 777 but what do I know I just hunt with the guns.

 

[Bullshot]

You aren't using pellets are you? That would do it. Ditch the rust-causing pyrodex, clean REALLY well and then move to loose 777. Definitely bump the stock on top of your shoe and twist it to shake a few grains into the channel. Rarely have a problem with these hang firing. You can get "hotter" caps too. That should do it. When you clean remove the nipple and use a small pipe cleaner in the flash hole. Don't let oil and lube pool in there. Clean the nipple well too, use a small wire pick to ensure hole is clear. You can experiment with different type of nipple too, some just work better than others.

 

[cgasner1]

I usually drop about 30 grains in and pack it with a wad also and shoot it out to make sure it won’t hang and to foul my barrel out

 

[44hunter45]

My Thompson/Center hangs bad with RWS caps, loves CCI #11.

Ditto on 777 and bumping it down into the charge port.

 

[elkantlers]

Nothing like real Black powder in those rifles.

https://www.powdervalley.com/products/schuetzen-black-powder-ffg-1

I'd also get some magnum primers.
I like the RWS #11 plus

 

[MThuntr]

I've had best luck with RWS caps and then I decided to switch to RWS musket caps. Major improvement even when it's really cold.

I shoot real black powder but it corrosive and may not have as much oomph as newer cleaner powders. IMO pyrodex isn't worth it so 777 loose powder is the way to go

 

[Jnasa]

I've never had an issue with pyrodex on ignition. I use triple 7 now though for less corrosion. I used Magnum number 11 caps on my traditional muzzleloader. I only remember having one hangfire and shot it a bunch.

Give it a good cleaning. You said the nipple is in great shape but I would still run a small wire or something through to make sure it's cleared out.

After I pour the powder in I tap on the side to help the powder settle before seating the bullet.

If still having issues try another batch of caps. I've heard of there being bad lots though I've never experienced it.

 

[BAKPAKR]

@huntnpack, I can’t offer any advice that has not already been offered, but, since I am a lefty, and lefty muzzleloaders are scarce, I want to hear more about that nice looking rifle.

 

[Greybeard]

These Mag-Spark 209 primer adapters work awesome. They will slow your reload time and they are not legal to hunt with in all states though.

MAG-SPARK, for instant ignition of all powders and propellants | Warren Custom Outdoor - Unique Made in USA products for the outdoorsman

Warren Custom Outdoor - Unique Made in USA products for the outdoorsman

www.warrencustomoutdoor.com

 

[huntnpack]

Back to a thorough clean and trying new nipples I guess. Used brand new CCI #11s. Tapping the side opposite the lock did seem to help a little but I was doing most of that with the charge seated already.

 

[huntnpack]

@huntnpack, I can’t offer any advice that has not already been offered, but, since I am a lefty, and lefty muzzleloaders are scarce, I want to hear more about that nice looking rifle.

This is an Investarms Gemmer Hawken kit wearing a lot of makeup.

It’s been given the “Bob Woodfill” treatment, including a patchbox.

 

[BAKPAKR]

This is an Investarms Gemmer Hawken kit wearing a lot of makeup.

It’s been given the “Bob Woodfill” treatment, including a patchbox.

I have watched that video a couple of times in the past. You, or someone, did a nice job on that rifle.

 

[Bullshot]

Back to a thorough clean and trying new nipples I guess. Used brand new CCI #11s. Tapping the side opposite the lock did seem to help a little but I was doing most of that with the charge seated already.

Yeah bump it back and forth after pouring the powder, before seating anything.

 

[huntnpack]

That gun was just a little dirty when I had it shipped to me. A solid clean and some care to wipe the oil out of the barrel etc. before firing and it had zero issues tonight. Now to tweak the sights a bit. I may wait to get some good BP in hand before I really set them.

@BAKPAKR I can’t claim the craftsmanship. I was searching online for a spare parts knight mk85 or two and my jaw hit the floor when I came across it. Dreamed of owning one but don’t have the skill or time to build one. I grew up with a long rifle builder around, guy was an artist. I might be able to pull off a Kibler these days but the stock shaping/inletting required for this gun would easily be too much.

 

[cgasner1]

What slug you running?

 

[elkduds]

I have watched that video a couple of times in the past. You, or someone, did a nice job on that rifle.

Except the hammer's on the wrong side. Try some left hand 777 or Goex FFLeft

 

[huntnpack]

What slug you running?

Always wanted a strict round ball gun and this will be it. 1:60 twist.

 

[Jnasa]

That gun was just a little dirty when I had it shipped to me. A solid clean and some care to wipe the oil out of the barrel etc. before firing and it had zero issues tonight. Now to tweak the sights a bit. I may wait to get some good BP in hand before I really set them

Glad to hear you have it running. I always keep a spare nipple in my possibles kit just in case.

If you might be hunting in cold weather with it I would still suggest using Magnum #11 caps over the standard. I used Magnum 11 caps, triple 7 and maxiball or round ball with my TC New Englander 54 cal. Never had any issues and I put it through some poor weather.

You probably already do but when hunting I like pressing the percussion cap firmly to seat well and help keep moisture out.

Have fun tinkering with it this year. Congrats on a nice looking Muzzleloader.

 

[shannerdrake]

View attachment 420021
New to me. It’s had at most 70 shots through it in its life. I ran a couple caps through it before firing. Maybe should have wiped it out first but it’s hanging badly. The nipple is in great shape. Any advice. I’m stuck with pyrodex at the moment even though I’d love some real BP.

Get a musket nipple and caps. They are 2-3x hotter than 11s and are so much easier to put on and take off the nipple.

I had an older TC New Englander and it would occasionally hang with 11s but never once with musket caps.