Took my Thompson/Center .54 Hawken out to the range for the first time. After firing 8 shots, got distracted talking while reloading and forgot to put in the powder!! Ball and wad are nicely jammed in the bore. Tried the ball puller and CO2 with no luck. Took it to the gunshop where I bought it. Guy there tried for an hour and could not get it. He is giving it to a gunsmith in town to hopefully remedy the situation. I know this happens at some point to everyone. I sure have learned my lesson.