Traditions Lightning Ebolt Buckhunter - Manual (Page 29)

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IF YOUR GUN FAILS TO FIRE:
Anyone involved with muzzleloading firearms will experience a
hangfire or misfire. The following are a few simple procedures that
will help you to effectively manage such occurrences.
Hangfire
A hangfire is a delayed ignition. The percussion cap 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 a
substantial number of hangfires, there are a few possible causes that
you need to evaluate. Verify the following:
1. Check that the load is packed tightly. Review loading procedures.
2. Verify that the percussion cap is the correct size and properly fitted
onto the nipple.
3. Inspect that the ignition channel is clear of obstruction.
4. Check the condition of the percussion nipple. Verify that it has not
mushroomed on the end and that it is securely screwed into the
breech plug.
5. Verify that the proper propellant is being used and that it is the
proper granulation and free from moisture, contamination and oils.
6. Check the condition of the percussion caps and propellant powder.
For hunting situations, it is a wise practice to use fresh caps and
powder. Use a fresh load for each day’s hunting.
7. Make sure to prep your firearm by running a cleaning patch to
clear the bore of oils, moisture and contamination. Fire two or three
caps before loading to insure that the ignition channel is clear. See
#7 in earlier section headed Preparation.
Misfire
A misfire is a failure of either the cap or the main charge to ignite. This
could be a very 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 cap.
Should your gun fail to fire for any reason, keep the muzzle pointed
at your target for at least one minute with the bolt closed. By doing so,
you make sure you are prepared for the chance of a delayed ignition.