thanx guys...all i use is black english flints...i tried the TC agates...i wasted like 8 bucks i think...they BARELY spark and i tried a few things to help them....ive never shot a flintlock so i dont know good lock time from bad...but when i pulled the trigger there was barely any lag...a poobfoom..no stop no waiting just flashbang all quick..i shot about 15 rounds and once i overprimed and had a bit of lag i did notice and after a while my flint and frizzen face got all fouled up and me and hte guy teaching me were having to much fun to check and i had a missfire.....i seen a spark or 2 at the top but that was it....cleaned it up and it fired after that....i guess if it aint broken i wont try to make it better just yet....i got a hunting season in a few weeks i am hunting and dont have alot of time to experiment going to school and work ect...i gota sight in with my powerbelts and prepare for the hunt...i cant wait....i love muzzleloading already...thanx alot guys.....maybe the spring ill experiment a bit but now im just going to find what works and say its good enough for now....i do want better i just dont have much time to spend at the range now...also where can i find a good touch hole like you described?? i shoot a TC 50 cal hawken.....anyone know? im definently replacing the frizzen after this season....mine looks pretty bad...a few worn spots from the previous owner(i bought it used..checked it over good and determined it will save me more then half and the gun is in great shape except for a few dings here and there from normal use...) i cant wait....thanx alot guys