Traditions PURSUIT (Non-Accelerator Models) - Manual (Page 22)

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XIII. HANGFIRES & MISFIRES
Hangfire
A hangfire is a delayed ignition. The primer fires when the
trigger is pulled and the main charge fires a brief moment later
.
There are many reasons that hangfires occur
. If you are
experiencing hangfires, there are possible causes that you need to evaluate. V
erify the following:
1.
V
erify that the primer is the correct size and properly fitted
onto the nipple.
2.
Inspect that the ignition channel is clear of obstructions.
3.
V
erify that the proper propellant is being used and that it is
the proper granulation and is free from moisture, contamination and oils.
4.
Check the condition of the primers and propellant powder
.
For hunting situations, it is a wise practice to use fresh primers and powder
. Use a fresh load for each day’
s hunting.
Misfire A misfire is a failure of either the primer or the main charge to ignite. This could be a ver
y hazardous situation.
Extreme caution
should be exercised when dealing with a misfire. Rarely is a misfire the fault of the rifle. Generally
, it can be
attributed to a problem with the propellant or primer
.
Should your gun fail to fire for any reason,
keep the muzzle
pointed at your down-range target for at least one minute with the action closed
. By doing so, you make sure you are prepared
for the chance of a delayed ignition. If the percussion cap/primer did not fire: 1.
Check to make certain that a primer was installed and is still securely positioned on nipple.
2.
V
erify that the striker face is free of debris.
3.
Tr
y a new primer
.
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If the primer fires but the main charge does not: 1.
Remove the primer while keeping the barrel pointed in a safe direction. Using a cleaning pick, verify that the hole in the breech plug is clear of any obstruction.
2.
Tap the butt pad of the rifle with your hand to direct the powder into the ignition channel. If you are using pellets this process will not help.
3.
V
erify that propellant was loaded under your projectile by
running the ramrod down the muzzle and obser
ving the
measure marks on your ramrod. Use extreme caution to always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
4.
Check for any mechanical defects in the breech area. If your gun has repeatedly failed to fire, you will need to unload the rifle. See Section XIV
. At this point a beginning
shooter should seek assistance from an experienced shooter
. Never leave an unfired charge in the barrel.
5.
After verifying the above directions reprime the muzzleloader and fire.
XIV
. REMOVING THE PROJECTILE AND THE CHARGE: Method 1 1.
Make sure the muzzle of the barrel is pointed in a safe direction at all times.
2.
Open the action and carefully remove the primer from the breech plug.
3.
Using the Breech Plug/Nipple wrench, supplied with the rifle, remove the breech plug from the rear of the barrel.
4.
Insert a ramrod into the muzzle and push the load out of the rear of the barrel.
5.
Clean and wipe all sur
faces of loose fouling and debris.
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