Thanks guys.I have always cleaned the bore by removing the bolster screw and nipple, dropping them in hot, soapy water, poured hot soapy water down the bore to drain out the nipple/bolster into a bucket until running clear. Taken Q-tips thru the nipple/bolster holes 'till clean. Run patches wrapped over and around the tip of a cleaning rod down the bore 'till clean. Then run oiled Q-tip and oiled patches thru same, then oil nipple and bolster screw threads before reseating.

I dry fire two caps prior to loading, then pour powder and tap breach as discussed. I suspect a good cleaning and the problem will be gone. Have you ever plugged the nipple and poured solvent down the bore and left to soak for a few hours? Any problem with that?

I'm not too concerned about missing the opportunity on that buck. I sawa 9 pointer that will go over 140" gross and a 14 pointer that would net in the high 160's and all three of those deer are likely still around. Everything for a reason.