Powder Horn Problem

[Deacon4]

:hmm:
Late, last hunting deer season, I encountered a problem with my old 50 cal. Beck style flinlock (Homer Dangler custom)not firing. The weather was damp and cold, but no rain or snow.
The pan flashed, but no main charge ignited. Cleaned out vent, carefully poked some 4F inside, no luck, finally pulled the load. This happened again and again.
Then, I tried several powder loads from my other horn. Ker-bang, ker-bang, ker-bang.
Threw out the old powder, put some stock wax on the first horn and it seems ok. Don't think horns are porous? I was told I could have reconditioned the damp powder by letting it dry out? I always place my cold horns in a tight canvas bag before bringing it side a warm cabin. The old saying " Keep your powder dry" holds true.
What other sealers could I use?
Thank ya kindly.

 

[Legionair]

Horn is slightly pourus, like fingernail material.

If you fill it with water it won't leak, but it will absorb moisture which could be transferred to your powder. This could take some time to occur.

As a result, I would stay away from oil products just in case they might "leach" through to the powder. I use straight beeswax on mine. Heated up and rubbed into the warm horn. I also wax the plug and stopper, and haven't had any problems.

Hope this helps...

Legion

 

[cowpoke1955]

I do the same as Legion. I rub my complete horns down with melted beeswax and run it in until you get a nice, soft polished look. Never had a problem.