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Blackpowder misfire/jammed ball?????
kidsgun
Member Posts: 148 ✭✭✭
OK......I admit it! I made an error in misjudging my ability. I purchased a Thompson 54 Cal. at a yard sale with all the accessories. I proceeded to load it lightly, ram a ball home, touch off a cap and only a cap explosion was to be heard. I tried another with the same results. I changed the nipple and tried again. Still no "bang!" I used the ball extractor from the ramrod and only got a little lead on the threads. Question: What next?????? You guys have never failed to help me out and I know that this will be no exception. Thanks, Bill
Comments
+if you ever feel lost, just talk to a native" JIMBO
My border collie is smarter than your honor student.
You can usually tell if it is double loaded by putting your ramrod into the barrel and then mark (use your finger, tape, etc.) the rod where it exits the muzzle. Remove the rod and place it along the side of the barrel and see how close it comes to the breech area. After you get the ball & powder out, try this again. If in doubt, try the worm again...
Sounds like you may have a blocked passage (rust, crud, etc.) or some oil that has contaminated the area. Did you fire some caps before loading to dry out the breech area? I had a pistol do the same exact thing. A good soaking of the breech area in hot soapy water dislodged whatever was there and it has worked fine ever since.
Fourdees
former air operations officer SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2. former navy skeet team, former navy rifle/pistol team member. co-owner skeetmaster tubes inc.. owner/operator professional shooting instruction.
Former Member U.S. Navy Shooting Team
Former NSSA All American
Navy Distinguished Pistol Shot
MO, CT, VA.
The ball worm should have worked. Screw it in to the ball GOOD. You may have to get a friend to hold the rifle while you pull the ramrod out.
Another thing to try: Remove the nipple and/or the drum that the nipple screws into. Now you can trickle some powder in behind the ball. Replace the drum/nipple, cap and fire.
SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com the best gun auction site on the Net! Email gpd035@sbcglobal.net
If you try this be sure to reseat the ball after you add the powder.
It may be jambed partway down the barrel.
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff
Hope that works.
"Well done is better than well said"
Ben Franklin