Hawken clogged
- Thread starter ldlfh7
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Fine Figure of a Man
Member
It is sometimes possible to blow a patch and ball out with compressed air. You would have to adapt a fitting to the nipple.
You could also try one of these https://www.buffaloarms.com/b-i-d-co2-blowoff-inflator-discharger-rmc1082
A rod mounted, screw type, ball puller is another option.
You could take the breach plug out but I would avoid it if at all possible.
You could also try one of these https://www.buffaloarms.com/b-i-d-co2-blowoff-inflator-discharger-rmc1082
A rod mounted, screw type, ball puller is another option.
You could take the breach plug out but I would avoid it if at all possible.
Kevin Keith
Member
I'd use a ball/bullet puller then a worm for the patch. Shouldn't be a big problem.
Armored farmer
Member
If you dont have a bullet puller, get one. Sooner or later you will dry-ball it anyway.
Or..
You could buy a CO2 discharger contraption.
...I would just get a ball screw jag.
Put your range rod handle between your feet, rifle upside down in your hands, and pull the rifle up.(at least that's how I would do it, if i ever dry-balled one <cough>)
Or..
You could buy a CO2 discharger contraption.
...I would just get a ball screw jag.
Put your range rod handle between your feet, rifle upside down in your hands, and pull the rifle up.(at least that's how I would do it, if i ever dry-balled one <cough>)
Fine Figure of a Man
Member
It is a common mistake to forget the powder before loading a patch and ball. When you do, simply take the nipple out and put in a few grains of powder under it. 5 grains or so will clear the barrel. Also a good way to guarantee against a hang-fire when hunting. It would probably work in this instance but since there is an unknown powder charge in the barrel, I won't recommend it.
Malachi Leviticus Blue
Member
I've also heard of folks removing the nipple and replacing it with a grease zerk then using a grease gun to "pump" out the load.
I've done that, but I've also seen it blow the nipple out. Like you I can't personally recommend it.
Imagine the mess after doing that.
beeenbag
Member
The idea of all that grease made me cringe
OP: How did you (or rather your buddy) determine that there's a patch at the bottom of the barrel blocking the ignition of the powder/ball load?
(and BTW, what's the powder charge if someone knows?)
FTIW: the pull the nipple/insert 4gr 4Fg/replace nipple/fire would be simplest option if you knew exactly what was ahead of the flash train. . . .
But this also works well
https://www.cabelas.com/ensemble/Shooting/Black-Powder/Black-Powder-Accessories|/pc/104792580/c/104701680/sc/104218380/Cabelas-CO2-Load-Discharger/4225.uts
(especially on on hopeless flint-locks) . . .ask me how I know. . . .
PPS: I've never been able to successfully use a ball-puller on patched-ball. It just jammed the tight ball/patch combo even tighter
(and BTW, what's the powder charge if someone knows?)
FTIW: the pull the nipple/insert 4gr 4Fg/replace nipple/fire would be simplest option if you knew exactly what was ahead of the flash train. . . .
But this also works well
https://www.cabelas.com/ensemble/Shooting/Black-Powder/Black-Powder-Accessories|/pc/104792580/c/104701680/sc/104218380/Cabelas-CO2-Load-Discharger/4225.uts
(especially on on hopeless flint-locks) . . .ask me how I know. . . .
PPS: I've never been able to successfully use a ball-puller on patched-ball. It just jammed the tight ball/patch combo even tighter
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Armored farmer
Member
It is key to have a good range rod with a secured handle. (One of my most valued possessions in my BP shooting gear) I rarely use the wooden rod in the thimbles of my rifle, unless I'm hunting.
shootstraight57
Member
I recently had my ram rod with a jag and cleaning patch stuck in the barrel while on the range. I tried everything that I had to remove it on the range. I made sure the rod was all the way down , removed the nipple, put some powder down the nipple hole, installed the nipple and fired a cap. Came out about a foot in front of the table.
arcticap
Member
There's an item that's called a "Ramrod Puller" that's sold by Dixie Gun Works.
When the handles are squeezed together, it grips the ramrod inside of a grooved channel that's lined with leather padding. --->>> https://www.dixiegunworks.com/index/page/product/product_id/4587/product_name/RA0711+RAMROD+PULLER
skeeterfogger
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Ditto on the powder in channel. It doesn't take a bunch. I've shot dry ball and even stuck ram rod out with 5gns. If for some reason it moves but doesn't come out you will be able to redo the 5gns and get it in the chamber then put another 5gns in the channel. Ram it back so you don't chance ringing the barrel and shoot it. Repeat the process adding 5gns more till it comes out. Odds are the first 5gn try will provide enough hot gas it will set off the charge ahead of the patch. If I understand correctly there is a patch, powder and a patched ball in that order back to front in the barrel. Keep safe, possible smoldering of patch under powder. When raming back moved projectile use somthing other than your hand to operate the ram rod. Don't use anything that contains more than the 5gns used to put the powder in. If there is any smoldering there can be blow back. Unlikely in confined space but anything is possible. If you get up to 3rd or 4th try go a different route. This method should work as an initial easiest first attempt working with a clean barrel but don't push it.
When using a ball puller, I always (which implies that I have dry balled before) put some liquid lube or water down the bore first, let it soak awhile, then pull the ball. It usually comes out pretty easily once you get it started. Once I have threaded the screw into the ball, and by the way it is best to drill a small pilot hole into the ball first, I hook my range rod onto the overhead rafter my basement and pull the rifle straight down. Usually works. I have also used compressed air from my compressor. I adapted a tire valve stem to replace the nipple, this gives full force to the air pushing out the charge and ball. Be sure to use a safe back stop when doing this cause the ball usually comes out with significant force. I have had it go right thru a 3/4" piece of plywood. Good luck.
Armored farmer
Member
I've been around dozens of stuck balls.
The best and safest solution is to pull it.
There are any other ways, but the facts remain.
The best and safest solution is to pull it.
There are any other ways, but the facts remain.
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Wet the powder to make it safe.
Then C02 discharger. If that doesn't work, then stuck ball remover. Worse case, remove the breechplug. Be sure you know where it is because some of these newer guns have a breechplug that is separate from the barrel/tang hook.
Then C02 discharger. If that doesn't work, then stuck ball remover. Worse case, remove the breechplug. Be sure you know where it is because some of these newer guns have a breechplug that is separate from the barrel/tang hook.
robhof
Member
I've unstuck projectiles using compressed air; I use a section of flex brake line, I had in my junk pile and a small pipe clamp to attach to the nipple and to my spray nozzle, then crank my compressor to 40 Lbs and try, I've never had to go over 80 Lbs for the bullet to come out, be sure to have a good back stop as they do come out rather briskly.
I was thinking, if you have an air compressor, why not use that? I am happy to read, that someone has already tried it.
An accident if I ever heard of one. (
)Jackrabbit1957
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I have used my home compressor a few times, mostly to free a stuck cleaning rod/patch. I just remove the nipple and use a rubber tipped blowgun. Worked every time. Point it out the door cause it can skewer things.
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