The previous thread was exceptional, I can only add a couple of fine tuning points. My round ball load is 70 gr. of 3F blackpowder. You will learn that on humid rainy days less powder burns in the barrel, when you get really good ask someone to explain a snow or white paper test to you. I use 7F in the pan. 4F works great, 7F works even better. Also make sure to only fill the pan 1/2 way. It is smart not to completely cover the flashole, plus this guarantees the the pan cover closes. Do not over fill the pan. If you fill the pan 1/2 way, and hold your rifle properly, you will never have a problem with the rifle not firing, Tom.