More random BP questions

[Mac Attack]

Question 1 -
Do you ever need to replace a nipple on a rifle? If so how do you know when it needs replacing?

Question 2 -
When shooting today with 55 grains of Goex BP over a .50 cal minie ball and also over a 0.018 patch and .490 ball, I noticed some sparks leaving the barrel during firing. Through the smoke I actually saw sparks. Why did this happen? is it because of the weather being very cold? Could it be the load I shot? Could it be that my rifle was dirty?

Question 3 -
In my newly acquired owners manual for my TC Hawken, the load tables say that the "*" on a load is the most accurate load. When I look at the loading tables in my book, there are no records with a "*" next to it. Is this a typo on the load table?

Question 4 -
I read that some switch from a #11 cap to a musket cap. I know that with a musket cap you get much more flame to the powder and that a musket cap is larger than a #11 cap and is easier to handle. Is there really any reason to switch from a #11 cap to a musket cap if using black powder?

Question 5 -
I picked up some BP items on clearance today at Walmart. I just happened to read the instructions for TC Bore Butter and read that Bore Butter could be used on all parts of a BP firearm. Does this mean I can put TC bore button on your wooden stock? Is there any benefit to doing this?

Question 6 -
On a TC Hawken rifle, the brass trigger guard has a finger catch/holder outside of the trigger guard but near the triggers. What is the purpose of this finger catch/holder? Is to help give better leverage/support for the trigger finger?

Question 7 - I asked this in another thread but figured I would add it too.
I have a TC Hunter style tang peep sight on my rifle. The rear aperture disk is small compared to vernier style sights were the disk is the size of a quarter or larger. On a peep sight, what is the benefit of having a large rear aperture disk? Does a larger disk mean a larger sight hole?

Question 8 -
What is your pet load for a 175 grain .50 cal ball?

That is all. Thanks for any replies.

 

[Pulp]

1. If the nipple is peened, usually from dry firing. If it's rusty. If the flash hole is fouled to the point of permanently plugged.

2. Normal. BP throws sparks.

3. They do this so you'll have more fun developing an accurate load.

4. You answered it. More flame to the powder.

5. You could, and it wouldn't hurt anything, but you'd probably have a greasy stock.

6,7. Don't know.

8. I usually use around 75 grains.

 

[Pancho]

My answers to 1 and 4: 1) Even with normal use nipples will slowly mushroom dryfiring will speed up the damage done.
4) I've changed all my rifles over to musket caps. Hotter fire and easier to handle especially when it's cold.

 

[mykeal]

Do you ever need to replace a nipple on a rifle? If so how do you know when it needs replacing?

Yes. Run your fingernail along the side from top to bottom. If you feel a ridge at the top it's starting to peen and will eventually mushroom. The caps will no longer fit properly and misfires will result. Replace when you can feel the ridge. Also, as Pulp said, the touch hole can become permanently fouled. This can be prevented by cleaning with solvent and pipe cleaners when you clean the gun, but if it happens, replace the nipple.

I actually saw sparks. Why did this happen?

It's normal. Some of us weird folks actually crave it.

...there are no records with a "*" next to it. Is this a typo on the load table?

Don't get me started on TC's disaster of a manual. Yes, it's a typo. One of many. It's also a mistake in thinking.

Is there really any reason to switch from a #11 cap to a musket cap if using black powder?

Not if you're not having a problem igniting your charges. Some people change just because, if it's 'hotter' it must be better. If it ain't broke...

Does this mean I can put TC bore button on your wooden stock? Is there any benefit to doing this?

Yes, you can. No, there isn't. Unless you like a greasy stock.

What is the purpose of this finger catch/holder? Is to help give better leverage/support for the trigger finger?

It is a convenient place to rest a finger and help steady your hand. Some like it, some don't. I don't.

On a peep sight, what is the benefit of having a large rear aperture disk? Does a larger disk mean a larger sight hole?

A large disk makes it easier to concentrate on the image in the hole - blocks out extra light, enhancing the image in the aperture. The size of the disk normally has nothing to do with the size of the aperture.

What is your pet load for a 175 grain .50 cal ball?

Depends on the powder, gun, target. Around 55 gr ffg real black for targets, 90 gr ffg real black for game, but it varies with the gun.

 

[sundance44s]

One sure way to know when a nipple needs replaceing on a side lock rifle , Sooner or latter the little flash hole will get inlarged , when this happens you will know it because after fireing , the hammer will be on half cock ..when you see this happen , replace the nipple it`s worn out , and when it gets worse it gets much worse , you`ll fire it and the hammer will be blown back to full cock so hard it will break the sear . Same on the Revolvers and singleshot pistols .

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Everybody else has answered the questions. I like 70 grains of 3Fg Goex for .50 or .54 round ball.

LD

 

[Bad Flynch]

>What is the purpose of this finger catch/holder? Is to help give better leverage/support for the trigger finger?<

Well, if anyone is ever taught proper marksmanship technique these day, and I really doubt if they are, they would learn that the arm and hand that hold the forend are only there for vertical support; they are not there to grip the rifle and hold it against the shoulder. That works for both military standing position and for off-hand (they are not the same thing).

If you will notice, the straight grip of the TC rifle is difficult to hold the rifle to the shoulder with, all by its lonesome; the stock does not have a curved pistol-type grip as do later designs and the pistol grip really helps one to hold the rifle against the shoulder.

No, it is not exactly for support of the trigger finger (that should be on the trigger, not the guard); it is to help grasp and hold the rifle to the shoulder.

 

[Mac Attack]

Thanks to all for taking the time to reply and answer my questions.