Stuck ball, now with drill bit

[deermanok]

One of these days we're bound to find out what happened.

 

[erhunter]

He's probably still reading all of the replies.

 

[Walkingeagle]

Nah, he’s gone. Asked, answered and moved on. Thread should die now unless he decides to pop by and update us.
Walk

 

[mooman76]

He'll be back when he has another problem.

 

[Zonie]

The last thing Tom511 said on Mar 17th is his local range is shut down and he has had eye surgery on his retina.
I know that after some eye surgery the doctor won't let you do anything that might jar or shake the eye for quite some time so although that was 2 weeks ago, his eye might still be healing. Let's hope that issue ends well.

In the meantime, I guess we will just have to wait to see how this stuck ball saga ends.

 

[Tom511]

OP here.

SUCCESS!!

Bought a 36" aluminum tube, 1/2", put it in the barrel after moving the ball back, put probably 30 grains of powder in and the tube shot out about 48 yards. Just did this yesterday. Couldn't find the ball, but it's definitely out.

Had some missteps along the way. Recorded the first attempt last weekend, used 15 grains, but had misplaced the breech block screw and forgot about it. Alot of pressure just went out that hole, and the tube moved maybe 18". I had very loosely wound up the Teslong borescope to fit into its case to take to the range. That thing is so fragile that it must have broken some key part inside, as it no longer works. Was great while it lasted. I thought yesterday would be another fail and didn't set up cameras. That's probably why it worked.

Sorry about delay. They put a 'gas bubble' in my right eye during retina surgery; makes you go blind in that eye for about a month until it goes away. Totally worth it. Before surgery, the crosshairs in my scopes were very wavy; now they're straight! It was the main reason I went for surgery to correct the macular pucker.

This is one terrific forum with so many amazing people. All of the discussions and suggestions were fantastic! I had no idea what to do to fix this, and it all worked out. I can't thank everyone enough. Every idea, possibility, experience, story - it was all brain-storming and was invaluable. Thank you so very much.

 

[Tom511]

Oh, also, I do live in a very urban area, in a very (excessively) restrictive state. Would probably have to drive 100 miles to find a random place to shoot and even then, good chance I'd get arrested. So had to rely on 'the range,' which ended up being closed for about five weeks. Would really like to be able to go out back and shoot at a tree stump. But our HOA doesn't allow tree stumps.

 

[Woody Morgan]

He lives! And the ball (and bit) are out.
Congrats and thanks for coming back to let us know how it all worked out.

wm

 

[Eterry]

I'm glad you got the situation resolved.
There's plenty of things you can multi-task and get away with. But reloading and muzzle loading aren't them. Just focus on what you're doing, turn off your phone, leave the kids at home, etc, etc, etc.
Good luck, make good smoke.

 

[Bucky]

Great to hear from you again! Congratulations on the successful eye surgery and the successful conclusion to the stuck ball. If there was an annual Academy Award ( or better, Muzzy Award) for Forum threads, this one would be in the running......just kiddin' a little........very happy for you, good luck with the eye, and have fun shootin', Bucky

 

[Britsmoothy]

Yes Sir, powder has all the answers and energy right there

 

[Rudall]

Also of note is that the problem was solved in posts 2 and 5.

 

[Don H]

Congratulations on your success and thank you for getting back to us!

 

[Whitworth]

Well done Sir, glad to hear the surgery was a success.

 

[mooman76]

Glad everything turned out all right all around for you.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Really glad to hear that your vision has been restored.

 

[Billy Boy]

Ya, maybe shooting it out wouldn’t be such a good idea.. I wasn’t thinking about a steel drill bit stuck in the ball... grease zeros would be the method I’d use. I’d never use a drill bit again!

If it is 6-8 inches away from the breech face, you need to re-seat it (somehow) if you plan on shooting it out, dont needto addany additional character to the barrel.

 

[appalichian hunter]

Good deal. glad that's over I was not getting any younger. Also good deal on your eye situation glad it all worked out.

 

[Snooterpup]

To quote the head of the Possum Lodge: “I’m pulling for you, we’re all in this together.” So very glad everything turned out for you. Enjoy your restored sight and your new rifle and be sure to pick a a good range rod and attachments!

 

[user 34300]

Oh, also, I do live in a very urban area, in a very (excessively) restrictive state. Would probably have to drive 100 miles to find a random place to shoot and even then, good chance I'd get arrested. So had to rely on 'the range,' which ended up being closed for about five weeks. Would really like to be able to go out back and shoot at a tree stump. But our HOA doesn't allow tree stumps.

Wrap the muzzle in a bath towel and tape burrito. Fire into the back lawn. Avoid sprinkler pipes. The noise will be zero from the muzzle.