This is what I've seen suggested on other muzzleloading sites...

Then, tell the fellow to leave the brass brush at home for traditional muzzleloaders, it isn't needed...

How do you clean the breech?

Pete, I think it is a side hammer or even a rock sparker - not thinking it is an inline - cuz if you could remove the breech you would just push it out...

I know it's a sidelock, but when all else fails you can remove the breech plug.

Some side locks, although completely retarded, don't have removable BP's Pete. Ran across a few years ago. The BP's were welded in. 100% stupid design I know but they are out there.

Some of the breech plugs are pinned in - most require a special tool/wrench and more than likely the thread are corroded in place. Very few people ever remove those plugs. In fact I have 6 renegades that have never had the plugs out.

No reason to take them out unless you get something stuck in then that you can't get out.

Renegade is one that comes out.

We don't know what kind of gun we're talking about in this thread.

I've always pulled the plug on my old Hawk at least 2 times a year whenever I break it down completely for a thorough cleanup. You know, pulling the barrel, trigger set, lock and all from the stock for a intensive cleanup and oiling.

I do that every time I shoot it, except for the breech plug.

I have lots of time to do stuff.

Well this sucks. I called this guy yesterday to see how he was making out with the brush. The rifle was a Pedersoli flintlock .54 1:65 twist. He told me he sold it for $300 because of the stuck brush. Ughhhhh....I told him I would have bought it for that. I was looking for a .54 flinter. Man try to help a guy and get stabbed in the back like that. He could have at least offered.