Yup... I finally did it

[NDHunter]

I finally had a stuck ball. I've been shooting muzzleloaders for roughly 13 years but got my first flintlock about a year ago. I went to the range today to try and get it sighted in now that I worked up a load. The last shot I tried to take wouldn't ignite. Of course I forgot my screw driver so I couldn't pull the vent liner to put powder behind it. I packed up and went home where I put the air compressor to it and of course nothing. I then went to the ball puller and of course it pulled out. Now I have a hole through my ball and can't use the air compressor method. Would the powder behind the vent liner trick still work with a hole through the ball? I know I'm an idiot but any help would be appreciated.

 

[deermanok]

It should. Make sure to push the ball all the way down on the powder. A wad or a patch over the ball to help seal it.

 

[Art Caputo]

It’s doubtful that your ball puller put a hole completely through the ball so you should be able to fire it out with a small charge.

 

[NDHunter]

I think it did. Air hisses through when I put the air compressor to it and it didn't budge one bit when I tried pulling it so I don't think its getting around the ball. I am going to have to try to shoot it out regardless.

 

[NDHunter]

Update:

The ball did have a hole through it from the ball puller. The fire shot right through the hole and didn't move the ball at all. Luckily I'm a hoarder and had an older ball puller that was thicker and was able to get a good bite on it and walk it out. On the downside my rifle took a tumble and the Buckhorn bent. I was able to get it into usable condition but I'll have to order a new one. Thanks for your suggestions guys!

 

[1BadDart]

Put a little heat on the sight and straighten it out.

 

[NDHunter]

Put a little heat on the sight and straighten it out.

I did but the ear still isn't perfect. It will work but it'll bother me every time I shoot it.

 

[Dutch7]

I am impressed that you pulled that with a wooden ramrod or am I not seeing this correctly?
I am a h..hoarder too but I never see you at the monthly meetings!

 

[fishmusic]

Sorry to hear about the buckhorn sight but for future reference you should be able to tap powder through the touch hole without removing it. I have had to do this twice, now and it works well. BTW I was using 3f powder to do it. 4f should go with no problem.

 

[NDHunter]

I am impressed that you pulled that with a wooden ramrod or am I not seeing this correctly?
I am a h..hoarder too but I never see you at the monthly meetings!

I did use my ramrod. I put an old .54 jag in one end and the ball pulled in the other. I clamped the jag in the vice and walked backwards with the barrel. I refuse to give up hoarding, just when I'm about to, that random thing I've had for 5 years comes in handy!

Sorry to hear about the buckhorn sight but for future reference you should be able to tap powder through the touch hole without removing it. I have had to do this twice, now and it works well. BTW I was using 3f powder to do it. 4f should go with no problem.

I couldn't get enough in there. I tried that at the range and at 25 degrees Fahrenheit I wasn't going to waste more time than I had to.

 

[fishmusic]

OK, 25 degrees I can appreciate. I am from a warmer climate and don't usually freeze my fingers when shooting.

 

[ohio ramrod]

As they say, there are two kinds of people who shoot muzzle loaders : those that have dry balled and those that will!

 

[Yewbender]

I have dry balled many a times and not afraid to admit it!

Next time it happens and it will, dump lil water down the barrel and let it soak into the patch, it will be easier to pull. Ask me how i know!!!

 

[NDHunter]

I have dry balled many a times and not afraid to admit it!

Next time it happens and it will, dump lil water down the barrel and let it soak into the patch, it will be easier to pull. Ask me how i know!!!

That's exactly what I did. Water and 91% alcohol. Pulled right out slicker than snot.

 

[superkodiaksteiner]

That's what I would do, add some water and give it another go! I also have two sizes of ball pullers. If the smaller doesn't work, I send in the big boy. It normally grabs better anyways.

 

[Mike in FL]

I get one stuck more often than I would like known. ALWAYS, before screwing the puller into the ball, I soak it good, real good, with WD40. Let it get soaked in, then pull it. Has never failed me.

 

[ColonialRifleSmith]

I finally had a stuck ball. I've been shooting muzzleloaders for roughly 13 years but got my first flintlock about a year ago. I went to the range today to try and get it sighted in now that I worked up a load. The last shot I tried to take wouldn't ignite. Of course I forgot my screw driver so I couldn't pull the vent liner to put powder behind it. I packed up and went home where I put the air compressor to it and of course nothing. I then went to the ball puller and of course it pulled out. Now I have a hole through my ball and can't use the air compressor method. Would the powder behind the vent liner trick still work with a hole through the ball? I know I'm an idiot but any help would be appreciated.

Personally, I would toss the ball. I wouldn't take a chance on a damaged ball causing an obstruction on it's way out the barrel and a catastrophic failure. Semper Fi.