Traditions Yukon - Manual (Page 19)

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XI. DECAPPING YOUR MUZZLELOADER
AFTER FIRING:
1. Press action release button and open barrel to expose primer.
2. Using a de-priming tool or finger, remove the spent primer.
IF YOUR MUZZLELOADER FAILS TO FIRE:
Anyone involved with muzzleloading firearms may experience a
hangfire or misfire. The following are a few simple procedures
that will help you to effectively manage such occurrences.
XII. 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. Verify the following:
1. Verify that the primer is the correct size and properly fitted
onto the nipple.
2. Inspect that the ignition channel is clear of obstructions.
3. Verify 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 fre s h
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 very hazardous situation. Extreme caution
should be exercised when dealing with a misfire.
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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. Verify that the striker face is free of debris.
3. Try a new primer.
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. Verify that propellant was loaded under your projectile by
running the ramrod down the muzzle and observing 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.
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