i think the reason you have to prime so full is because the hole is high...and its good you got a better lock.....my friends made me sooo mad.....i had to fill the pan and wait a minute then the gun might go off......not sure if you can do much to help it with your gun.....just keep practicing!! thats one thing i love about flinting....20 bucks or so and i can shoot 100rds of patch n ball....if your into groundhog hunting and get a few more range sessions in take the flinter....i did it this year.....killed one at 40yds perfect lung shot how i aimed.....it laid him out hard.....i was shooting a roundball......then wouldnt you know it.....i ran out of powder.....and havent found more yet....it was fun.....that was my first kill with the flinter......keep practicin and keep your powder dry!!