Check that load

[Brokenbear]

Well just to share a reminder that we have to be ever vigilant as we handle our weapons ...
I took my low serial numbered Parker Hale 1861 Enfield Muskatoon to the range to clear the load from my last hunt ..(expected to go again but kidney stone nixed that)
Anyway I wanted to clear the load as well as tune back in to it getting ready for the up coming primitive weapons deer season ...
Target in place and I thankfully remembered to run the rod down the bore knowing .578 sized/lubed mini ball bullet is at best "thumb tight" ..
Imagine my intake of breath when the rod stopped 9 inches from the seated mark

Just saying ...Merry CHRISTmas to all only
Bear

 

[The Crisco Kid]

Let's hear the rest of the story! Was it the ball moved forward or something else?

 

[Brokenbear]

Let's hear the rest of the story! Was it the ball moved forward or something else?

The Mini ball had moved down the barrel towards the muzzle that far ..
Other factors to add are I store muzzleloaders muzzle down .. also when hunting in rain I carry muzzle down and under a poncho .. (which I had done)
But I think what everyone shooting greased mini balls fitted bullet to bore for accuracy do not have the friction/tightness say a patched ball would have ..so it tells me to change the bullet to bore in some way to get a reliable hunting load that does not require the ram rod test before shooting!!!

Bear