Didn’t muzzle load 2021

[Cluck Norris]

For this first time in a while I didn’t muzzle load this yeah. I hunt with a much older muzzleloader in .44 and last year it gave me a fit with failed ignites. The older muzzleloader was built by my dad back in the 70’s(Spanish kit) and I have always wanted to hit one with a lead projectile he made, but im debating on getting a “newer” loader.
I took this year off just because there was to much going on around the homestead. But while splitting wood it started me thinking and here is where the questions start.
I feel like I’m getting failures to ignite because of the steep angle of the nipple(almost 90 degrees). So what about drilling and tapping the existing hole to modify the angle for a more advantageous angle?
If so what would be the better angle?
Before it starts, I would rather modify it and make it useable then just “leave it the way the old man made it”, because he would agree, he was a very practical individual.
If this isn’t doable then what would be the better muzzleloader to go with? I would like something nicer then the traditions from Walmart(nothing wrong with it), but it’s just not what I would want to go for

 

[papa_smurf]

I have a traditions (from cabela's, not WM) that was cerakoted gray from the factory with a camo stock. It shoots well, and has taken a few deer. It's not the best, but it works.

Whenever it's time to upgrade from the traditions I plan on going to an Encore with a smokeless conversion.

 

[Catfish]

two questions:

have you disassembled, cleaned and inspected so you can rule out fouling in the flash channel?
are you using real black powder or black-ish substitutes?

 

[Tim]

two questions:

have you disassembled, cleaned and inspected so you can rule out fouling in the flash channel?
are you using real black powder or black-ish substitutes?

This. It’s likely fouled and just needs a deep clean.

 

[chiefjason]

No help on fixing other than cleaning is always a good first start.

If I replace my ML it will be with a cross bow. I hunt under 50 yards. Save my ears the damage.

 

[Moylan]

I have a Thompson Center Impact that I like a lot. It's cheap and American made. It shoots accurately enough for me with the very nice (Williams, I guess) fiber optic sights. You need a wrench to take the breech plug out of mine, but I've had mine for a few years--I think they've upgraded them now so you can take it out by hand.

 

[Cluck Norris]

two questions:

have you disassembled, cleaned and inspected so you can rule out fouling in the flash channel?
are you using real black powder or black-ish substitutes?

Yes, used a stiff wire pipe cleaner then mounted the port end in the ultrasonic and let it run until no residue was present and I could send a pipe cleaner down it with it coming back clean.
The nipple is currently stuck and I am going to work of getting it out but again this is more of a project then anything.
That was my first thought, if I put a little powder the nipple I would get it to fire off 80% of the time, but just the cap failed to ignite maybe 7-8 out of 10 times, and the caps were known good caps.

No help on fixing other than cleaning is always a good first start.

If I replace my ML it will be with a cross bow. I hunt under 50 yards. Save my ears the damage.

A crossbow is a good option, I may look into this more. This spot can be hinted from less then 50 if need be, and that would widen my season some.

 

[Drew]

Arrowhead ! All the way

 

[rcems2000]

I use a Knight LK93 that my dad bought for me when I was 12.

I hope you can get yours fixed where it has memories for you with your dad.

Look at this new traditions muzzleloader
Watch "Traditions™ New NitroFire™ Changes Muzzleloading!" on YouTube

 

[rdinatal]

if I put a little powder the nipple I would get it to fire off 80% of the time, but just the cap failed to ignite maybe 7-8 out of 10 times, and the caps were known good caps.

Look at the hammer to nipple contact area and hammer force. I'm not a BP expert but from your description that's where I'd spend my time.

 

[waxhaw]

Try changing the nipple to a HotShot or other version. Should increase ignition reliability.

 

[Red Marley]

Try changing the nipple to a HotShot or other version. Should increase ignition reliability.

Or change to a musket nipple and use musket caps

 

[Haleh]

Make sure the cap is firmly seated (all the way down) on the nipple. If the cap does not go off the first hammer fall, will it go off on the second try? I had this problem with a Lyman years ago.