Well I got a chance to do a hot soapy water cleanlast night. There is no obstruction in the fire channel and no rust under the nipple. The nipple looks nearly new and appears to be a hot shot nipple (has the 2 vent holes in it). The amount of corrosion in the barrel is definatly going to require some JB's and elbow grease. At this point I don't see any reason for hang fires so I'm going to guess that it is the caps or the powder he was using. I have some Goex in 2F and 3F and some good #11 caps and will try those as soon as I can get to the range. Between now and then I will try to clean up the bore corrosion and get it into shape for some testing. I will also try to get some pictures together and post them for your enjoyment.