Been searching the forum and am wondering - there are a number of posts that discuss using teflon tape on the breech plug threads. Had never considered having a problem with my Traditions Pursuit LT but it got me wondering. When I remove the plug at home for cleaning I have about the last 5 or 6 threads on the plug that have evidence of fouling. Now I wonder if this is "not normal". Should the plug seal be such that there is no evidence of fouling on the breech plug threads? I noticed when switching recently to Triple 7 pellets, that when spit patch cleaning between shots, as I near the area where the pellets/bullet were, it takes some extra effortto get the cleaning patch beyond a certain point, and then sometimes quite an effort to pull it back toward the muzzle. This seems to be what folks describe as a crud ring. I am wondering - if the seal between plug and barrel is not what it should be, would this account for, perhaps partially,the ring to develop?

Most rifles have blow back. The Teflon tape and anti seize help the plug control the blow back and also helps the plug come out better. The degree of blow back will vary from rifle to rifle and also how worn the threads of the breech plug become.