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 cleaning

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 powder

and/or caps have been allowed to deteriorate by improper storage (exposure

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, shotguns and pistols

use a No.11 percussion cap or in some instances, a musket cap or #209 shot-

gun 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 nipple

port or flashhole using your nipple pick. Replace the priming charge(flint

lock) or percussion cap (or primer) and try firing the rifle again. Contin-

ue 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.