can't draw water up barrel

First things first- BE DANG SURE THE RIFLE IS UNLOADED. If so, then pull the nipple; this may involve on overnight soak with Kroil, Break-Free, or some other penetrant. Inspect the nipple. If it's not blocked, then the flash channel may be. For that matter, the barrel may be blocked (see step one.)

Let us know how it goes!

try an air pressure

If you don't already have a nipple wrench, and If you haven't ever removed the nipple, it's time.

What J-Bar said

Cleaning rod down the barrel first to make sure it isn't loaded.

Then a wire nipple pick to open the hole.

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/popup_image.php?pID=7649

rc

You might try one of those co2 cartridge thingamabobs...instantaneous 900 psi pressure source to dislodge a stuck ball or clear a blocked nipple/flash channel.

Hope you went ahead and flushed the barrel with water with the nipple out. All clean and dried out,you can put the old nipple back on and be good to go.

I like to use anti-seize grease on the nipple threads so i can pull the nipple without too much trouble later. If you find a replacement nipple, find two more, and buy 'em all.

Go to Track of the Wolf they have a very easy to read online catalog that should determine the nipple needed for your rifle. The tail that wags the dog is the thread pitch. If your rifle was made by Thompson center it is a no brainer and is 1/4-28, 1/4 diameter and 28 threads per inch. If it was made by the italians there will be multiple choices and I'd take the time to call the guys at TOW they are very helpful.
In the past I'd offer that you change your #10 or #11 nipple for a much larger Musket cap conversion. I mention the past because musket caps were easier to buy back in the"Good old days" not so readily available now a days.

coondogger said:

I let my Hawken rifle go a little too long between cleanings. I stuck the barrel, breach down, in a bucket of steaming, soapy water. But when I tried to draw water up into the barrel through the nipple, nothing was happening. I suspect the inside of the nipple is blocked; perhaps corroded. Any thoughts as to how I should proceed?

Click to expand...

I thought BP firearms had to be thoroughly cleaned at the end of each use?

I always removed the nipple before cleaning with the water pump method.
Besides making it easier to pump the water, it required the nipple to be taken out and re-lubed each time.
No more stuck nipples.

Starting with the nipple in place and then removing it at say the first cleaning patch change is a good way to clean the nipple itself.