Muzzle Loader Problem
#1
Thread Starter
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,329
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Hey guys,
I ran into an issue this weekend. I took my muzzle loader to the range to get ready for an upcoming hunt in TN. The problem that I ran into is that I stuffed two 777 down the barrel and fired it and it didn't go off. Not even after 3 primers. I disassembled the muzzle loader and found that the breech plug was totally clear. The pellets were covered in black stuff but didn't burn. This happend a couple of times. I then opened a new pack of pellets and the gun fired.
So at this point I'm assuming that the pellets went bad. How did that happen? I have had them for about 6 months, they have never left the case.
I have a knight master hunter II if that makes a difference.
Thanks
Tom
I ran into an issue this weekend. I took my muzzle loader to the range to get ready for an upcoming hunt in TN. The problem that I ran into is that I stuffed two 777 down the barrel and fired it and it didn't go off. Not even after 3 primers. I disassembled the muzzle loader and found that the breech plug was totally clear. The pellets were covered in black stuff but didn't burn. This happend a couple of times. I then opened a new pack of pellets and the gun fired.
So at this point I'm assuming that the pellets went bad. How did that happen? I have had them for about 6 months, they have never left the case.
I have a knight master hunter II if that makes a difference.
Thanks
Tom
#3
Yes, it sounds like the pellets got moisture somehow. Powder is one of those things that can suck moisture right out of the air. Whether you can set them out somewhere and dry them I do not know. Perhaps go to http://www.hodgdon.com/ shoot them off an e-mail and see what they suggest. They might even replace them, who knows...
Just the fact you opened a new box of pellets and it fired is all it would need to convince me that something got to them....
Just the fact you opened a new box of pellets and it fired is all it would need to convince me that something got to them....
#5
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,922
Likes: 0
Quote:
Hey guys,
I ran into an issue this weekend. I took my muzzle loader to the range to get ready for an upcoming hunt in TN. The problem that I ran into is that I stuffed two 777 down the barrel and fired it and it didn't go off. Not even after 3 primers. I disassembled the muzzle loader and found that the breech plug was totally clear. The pellets were covered in black stuff but didn't burn. This happend a couple of times. I then opened a new pack of pellets and the gun fired.
===================
Tell us everywhere that first box of pellets have been.
Alot of folks mistakenly take the whole box to the range & keep them open/exposed for a few hoursonhumid days. Some other folks succumb the pellets to all kinds of temperature changes ... ie... in & out of a heated car to the cold outside -- then a couple of days in a camper where the heat gets turned off before hunting -- pellets go from warm to cold -then turn warm again uponturning on the heater after hunting that evening.
Some other folks keep their ML accessories in a damp basement or garage. Some swab the bore with solvent - then forget to dry-patch before loading the pellets. There are even times when the freight company that brings the pellets to retail stores has engine failure & the contents are kept in the trailer for too long -- exposed to varying weather conditions.
There are around 10 more excuses for having damp powder. But I'm stopping this reply right here.
Hey guys,
I ran into an issue this weekend. I took my muzzle loader to the range to get ready for an upcoming hunt in TN. The problem that I ran into is that I stuffed two 777 down the barrel and fired it and it didn't go off. Not even after 3 primers. I disassembled the muzzle loader and found that the breech plug was totally clear. The pellets were covered in black stuff but didn't burn. This happend a couple of times. I then opened a new pack of pellets and the gun fired.
===================
Tell us everywhere that first box of pellets have been.
Alot of folks mistakenly take the whole box to the range & keep them open/exposed for a few hoursonhumid days. Some other folks succumb the pellets to all kinds of temperature changes ... ie... in & out of a heated car to the cold outside -- then a couple of days in a camper where the heat gets turned off before hunting -- pellets go from warm to cold -then turn warm again uponturning on the heater after hunting that evening.
Some other folks keep their ML accessories in a damp basement or garage. Some swab the bore with solvent - then forget to dry-patch before loading the pellets. There are even times when the freight company that brings the pellets to retail stores has engine failure & the contents are kept in the trailer for too long -- exposed to varying weather conditions.
There are around 10 more excuses for having damp powder. But I'm stopping this reply right here.
#6
Thread Starter
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,329
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Tell us everywhere that first box of pellets have been.
Alot of folks mistakenly take the whole box to the range & keep them open/exposed for a few hoursonhumid days. Some other folks succumb the pellets to all kinds of temperature changes ... ie... in & out of a heated car to the cold outside -- then a couple of days in a camper where the heat gets turned off before hunting -- pellets go from warm to cold -
Alot of folks mistakenly take the whole box to the range & keep them open/exposed for a few hoursonhumid days. Some other folks succumb the pellets to all kinds of temperature changes ... ie... in & out of a heated car to the cold outside -- then a couple of days in a camper where the heat gets turned off before hunting -- pellets go from warm to cold -
I would have been fuming if it would have failed to fire on game!
Tom




