Buggered screw purpose?

[pjckm]

I have acquired a Thompson/Center Hawkens style muzzle loader recently and am posting a picture of its barrel. There is a screw that is all buggered up with a red arrow pointing to it. I would like to know its purpose. Does it hold something together or is it covering a clean out hole. It looks like someone attempted to remove it without much luck. I believe that it is rusted in place. I have soaked it for days now with liquid wrench but have had not much luck removing it. As you can see from the photo there is not much left of the original slot on the screw. I may have to take it to a gunsmith to remove it.
It is missing the ram rod. The length of the barrel is 29 inches not including the tang that holds the barrel in the stock. It is marked 50 Cal. Any one have an idea of the length and diameter of the ram rod that was original to this rifle?

 

[R Ellis]

It is where the factory drilled the flash hole and when they finish it is threaded and the screw is installed to seal the hole just leave it as is it serves no purpose to remove it now

 

[hawkeye2]

If you do decide to remove it replace it with new using anti seize and never remove it again. It looks like your nipple is battered and needs replacement.

 

[sussexmuzllodr]

File it down smooth and get to shooting.

 

[CaptainKirk]

That is the breech plug cleanout screw, which allows you to stick a small diameter wire in to clear a blocked flash hole. If you have it removed, I would suggest using an Allen-type grub screw with judicious anti-seize.
Not sure what diameter T/C used on the ramrods, I would suggest using an aftermarket synthetic range rod for actual loading. They are unbreakable and usually accept a palm-saver handle. Keep the wood ramrod for looks.

 

[painter]

Just leave it alone, and shoot the gun.

 

[SDSmlf]

That is the breech plug cleanout screw, which allows you to stick a small diameter wire in to clear a blocked flash hole. If you have it removed, I would suggest using an Allen-type grub screw with judicious anti-seize.
Not sure what diameter T/C used on the ramrods, I would suggest using an aftermarket synthetic range rod for actual loading. They are unbreakable and usually accept a palm-saver handle. Keep the wood ramrod for looks.

It is NOT a clean out screw. It is a byproduct of the TC early manufacturing process to connect the nipple hole and bore. At some point TC started drilling that connecting hole from the nipple to the breech area in the bore from the side opposite the nipple (and ground off the screw slot) after years of warranty claims with buggered up screws in this so called ‘clean out’ hole. If one stays at it, they can bugger up this set screw if they are really determined, but why? Clean it up the best you can, then leave it alone and enjoy shooting the gun.

 

[david w]

What everyone said!

 

[Salty]

Whatever you want to call it, I use it as a clean out. I removed mine with much difficulty and replaced it with a brass thumbscrew. I do occasionally remove it and clean with a pipe cleaner. Back in with anti seize.

 

[Marplot]

I can tell you are not British! "Buggered screw....." <grin>

 

[wiscoaster]

I can tell you are not British! "Buggered screw....." <grin>

Ya, should be "boogered". "Buggered" is something else altogether.

 

[wiscoaster]

It is NOT a clean out screw. It is a byproduct of the TC early manufacturing process to connect the nipple hole and bore. At some point TC started drilling that connecting hole from the nipple to the breech area in the bore from the side opposite the nipple (and ground off the screw slot) after years of warranty claims with buggered up screws in this so called ‘clean out’ hole. If one stays at it, they can bugger up this set screw if they are really determined, but why? Clean it up the best you can, then leave it alone and enjoy shooting the gun.

Interesting points. I was about to post "clean out screw" so thanks for posting correction. Agreed with approach to remediating situation.

 

[Timber Wolf]

Track of the Wolf has both the ram rod and new nipple.

 

[tenngun]

I use wooden rods on my gun, it shoudd have the head on then dropped down the bore. Cut off a bit above the end.
TC have a patten breach, meaning a small chamber inside the screws of the breach. You need a stepped jag to clean.
This was invented about 1790 and became seen on lots of guns after percussion took over.
If you read old journals you often see references to wiping sticks, what we would call a range rod
The trick to loading is to use short thrust on the ball. Don’t grab the rod high as it will bend and can break. Grasp rod about six to eight inches above the bore. And push down with short strokes. This way rod can’t bend laterally
To clean remove your barrel then nipple and put in a bucket of water. Use patch and jag to pump water into the barrel and wipe at same time
Some find hot water and a little soap or detergent good, some use plain. Some see flash rust from hot and use cool water,
Then dry and oil
Pop a few caps before loading, or run a patch on your rod down bore and listen to whoosh of air out of nipple to show path is clear
Leave that screw alone, after manufacture it serves no purpose

 

[Snooterpup]

File it down smooth and get to shooting.

Exactly! If that screw is truly seized up leave it alone. Attempts to remove a seized one can create problems as big as needing to replace the breech plug. The screw may be boogered but that is far better than you being buggered.

 

[pjckm]

Thanks for all the information and advice given. I'm learning and hope to shoot as soon as possible.

 

[CaptainKirk]

It is NOT a clean out screw. It is a byproduct of the TC early manufacturing process to connect the nipple hole and bore. At some point TC started drilling that connecting hole from the nipple to the breech area in the bore from the side opposite the nipple (and ground off the screw slot) after years of warranty claims with buggered up screws in this so called ‘clean out’ hole. If one stays at it, they can bugger up this set screw if they are really determined, but why? Clean it up the best you can, then leave it alone and enjoy shooting the gun.

Well, OK. If you say so. I'm not real familiar with the T/C rifles as mine are Lymans, and yes, the Lyman does have a clean out screw. I use it every time I clean the rifle.
I stand corrected.

 

[2 shots]

popcorn anyone??

 

[Grenadier1758]

I like my popcorn buttered.

 

[CaptainKirk]

popcorn anyone??

Aww, I just had dinner!