Flintlock problem

Norseman

Norseman

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At least I think its the problem, My frikken eye brow hair above my right eye is falling out WTF!!! Im thinking of wearing goggles from now on :mad: :mad: :mad:

I personally think it has to do with the flash :mad:
 
Norseman said:
At least I think its the problem, My frikken eye brow hair above my right eye is falling out WTF!!! Im thinking of wearing goggles from now on :mad: :mad: :mad:

I personally think it has to do with the flash :mad:
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Two words: Safety Glasses.

I realize they are not "Period" dress, but it beats hell out of getting burning powder in the eye. Been there, didn't enjoy it :(

Cheers,

Jim
 
Like Intrepid said, wear glasses. Powder burns and worst... flint chips are dangerous. For the heavy flash just don't pour too much powder in the flashpan and also check if the touch hole is not eroded due to the torch effect when the gun fires. Just replace it for a new one if the gun is so equipped. If not so equipped you can have a gunsmith to install one.
 
YES, muzzleloading/b.p.= safety glasses.My Pedersoli has the flash cup which directs the flash from the cap upwards instead of on the tiger maple stock but of course,this has a drawback,bits of cap residue in the face.Safety glasses atleast keep the residue outta my eyes,my forehead takes the rest lol.
 
Try less powder in the pan (just below the touchhole should be OK). Also, the comment about checking the touchhole for erosion is worth pursuing, although it would have to be pretty big to be contributing to the flash. My guess is there's too much powder in the pan. (A buddy of mine fills his pan up to the brim and it puts on quite the show when it ignites!)

Personally, I prefer to shoot with a slightly enlarged touchole (about 0.075" in a .54 and .50) and less powder in the pan). This gives me very fast and reliable ignition without excessive flash.
 
Norseman:
As already noted, your problem appears to be too much powder in the pan. For reliable ignition in most 45-54 calibre flintlocks, you don't need to use more than 2-3 grains of powder....preferably Ffffg. How much is that? About the number of 4-F powder granules by volume, that will fill a .22 long rifle case. It will make a mound in the bottom of the pan, about the size of a large pea. A 22 magnum case is even better, averaging around 3 grains by volume. With a little practice, it is easy to guesstimate how much is needed, without resorting to a measure.

Every rifle is different, so experiment, adding a bit more powder each time, until you get reliable igniiton in your rifle. Perfect ignition is a bit of flash, not too much smoke, followed by a satisfying BOOM!
For larger bore flintlocks, ie: Brown Bess or similar muskets, more powder is needed. Generally, about 3-4 grains 4-F.
Hope this helps.
Alex M.
 
There must be something more than too much priming powder. I have shot thousands of shots from flintlocks some with heaps of priming powder. I have never singed my eyebrows. I have to wonder about the comment from Skip about head position while shooting or perhaps some sort of flash shield which is redirecting the flame.

cheers mooncoon
 
Here some pics from my Fusil de Chasse de Tulle smoothbore in .62 caliber. The pan is filled about 30% with FFFG powder. After closing the frizzen I just flip the gun on the right side to keep the powder away from the touch hole. The powder in the pan such loaded makes a strong flash trought the touch hole. This gun never had a misfire... and never ever burn my eyebrow. Aging process applied by the custom made gun builder makes a lightly pitted looking gun but the finish in fact look like a nice patina on normal light.

DSC00620.jpg
 
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Update! My eyebrow is growing back WoooHoooo, Now I wont look like that freak from the road warrior :D :D :D


The safety glasses are much better, but not as nostalgic as the primitive. :D
 
Maybe a dumb question, but is the touch hole angled? I've been through the flint chip in the eye routine, and you don't want to go there. Always wear eye protection.
 
hey 8Ball,
I was using the same amount of powder in my .62 and .69 only I was usising the same powder I was throwing down the barrel in the pan, I had no ignition problem..
 
You're right that the ignition will be as reliable with FFG powder in the pan but the ignition will be much faster with FFFG and this is much better in hunting situations.

papajohn said:
hey 8Ball,
I was using the same amount of powder in my .62 and .69 only I was usising the same powder I was throwing down the barrel in the pan, I had no ignition problem..
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8ball said:
You're right that the ignition will be as reliable with FFG powder in the pan but the ignition will be much faster with FFFG and this is much better in hunting situations.
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Yes I imagine it would be!! LOL! I was using FF on trail shoots and suck.. To lazy to carry two powder horns! But yes in a hunting situation I'm sure FFF or even FFFF in the pan would make for a faster, more reliable ignition..
 
martini-henry said:
so norseman, are you gonna post pics or not?
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Ummm no. Its almost grown back in. I had to isolate myself for awhile. Had enough people snickering behind my back at the store etc,. :mad:
 
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