Manual

Ignition in a Muzzleloader

Considering that Black Powder ignites easily and burns almost instanta-

neously, it would not seem that ignition could create problems for the muz-

zleloading enthusiast. Yet, it was in the age of Black Powder that such terms

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 in its clean-

ing and handling than does a modern cartridge firearm (see section on

“Cleaning Your Muzzleloading Firearm.”)

The propellant Black Powder charge may not ignite if the nipple port is

blocked by fouling, if the charge is dampened by oil or water or if the pow-

der and/or caps have been allowed to deteriorate by improper storage (expo-

sure to extreme temperature changes and/or dampness). Maintain the high

quality of your Thompson/Center muzzleloader by meticulous cleaning.

Make certain that the chamber, nipple port, pan and flashhole are free from

oil, water or powder fouling. An appropriate nipple pick is a handy tool for

cleaning nipple ports and flashholes. Thompson/Center cap lock rifles, shot-

guns and pistols use a No.11 percussion cap or in some instances, a musket

cap or #209 shotgun primer and it is important that the caps or primers fit

properly on their respective nipples. Use only high quality caps or primers

and make certain that the cap is pushed securely onto the nipple, or the

primer securely into the adapter.

Pyrodex, while cleaner burning, is somewhat harder to ignite than

Black Powder. If while shooting, you should experience a misfire, hold

the firearm downrange and treat the firearm as if it could go off at any

minute - it might. After waiting at least one minute, clean out the nip-

ple port or flashhole using your nipple pick. Replace the priming

charge(flint lock) or percussion cap (or primer) and try firing the rifle

again. Continue to point the firearm downrange while clearing ignition

ports and repriming to prevent injury in the 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 a Charge”).

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY CAUSE

DAMAGE TO THE FIREARM AND INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO

THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.