Ya` got me confused as all heck rob. You start out talking about a flintlock, and there is aTC Firestormflintlock. Then you refer to putting powder in the nipple, something a flintlock does not have. Caplocks have nipples, and there is also a TC Firestorm caplock. So I assume that is what you have.

The first thing you should do isditch the T7 pellets. The firestorm is made for Pyrodex pellets. T7 is much harder to ignite than is Pyrodex. I recommend you print out the Firestorm manual from the link below and read it before your next range session. Good luck, you should have a ball with that gun. Be sure to give us another report when you get it rolling.

http://www.tcarms.com/assets/manuals/current/FireStormManual_CL_and_FL.pdf

(Edit) By the way, I agree with gander. You'll be a lot better off with loose Pyrodex or T7.