[sbranham4s]

I recently aquired an IAB sharps breech loader in 54 caliber, it won't fire unless I prime the nipple, does anyone have any ideas to remedy this?

[Chawbaccer]

Oil or grease in the fire chanel,
Use a hotter cap,
What cap and powder are you using now?

[sbranham4s]

have cleaned the channel, i am using musket caps with pyrodex

[WV SCROUNGER]

Get some GOEX.....trash the pyrostuff,,,,,,,I" ll bet it fires then!

[sundance44s]

Real black powder lights a whole lot easyer than the pyrodex ....it would make a difference on this type rifle ..
Powder doesn`t get to the breech on a sharps like this ....Compaired to a front stuffer , where seating the ball will push some powder into the nipple drum ...keep that flash channel clean .

[Chawbaccer]

You can also get a nipple charger, it is the same as a flintlock charger. The nipple cone is inserted into it and then pushed to allow powder to trickle into it.

[frontiergander]

if you are using RS, try pyrodex P as its finger grade. A hollow base Spitsfire nipple may also help you out.

[Pops]

I use GOEX 2f and musket caps...
GET RID OF THE PYRODEX...!!!!!!:barf:
Pyrodex works, but just barely...
As others have said... Real BP lites a whole lot easier...and faster..

[Smokin_Gun]

Sharps Breech Loader ain't meant to use Pyrodex or synthetics ... get some real Black Powder yer problem will go away. The Rilfe ain't the problem...

SG

[BHP FAN]

My buddy had one and the touch hole was sloppily drilled through,almost as if it had been MEANT not to fire.He took it to a gunsmith that cleaned out a bunch of metal chips,and opened the ignition channel up a bit.Viola,no more problems.

[gotgcoalman]

Don't know if any help but when i charge my kentucky
blackpowder i always tap the butt on the floor a
couple of times to make sure the powder is all the
way down and settled.

I use 777 fffg powder and remington no 10 caps

had problems at first with not firing.
(clogged nipple)
now i always blow down the barrel to clear any minor fouling
in the nipple after every shot.


2" groups @ 100 yards bench rested and getting better.45 cal