Hammer blowback

[PghDad]

I took the Mississippi Rifle out today. It's a 54 caliber Euroarms version, and the load was 70 grains of FF, .015 patch, and a .530 round ball. The load is a bit tight in the bore, but its accurate. I'm noticing that the hammer rebounds back to half-cock after each shot. Is this a problem?

 

[64Springer]

If your nipple has a giant cavity in the bottom of it change to a normal nipple with a tiny hole in the bottom.

Or your mainspring is weak.

 

[necchi]

It's a sign the nipple is worn out.
It's cause by "gas-cutting". Each shot is made with exploding gasses pushing the ball out right?. That same pressure is applied to the nipple, and of course the hammer holding down on the nipple,
,well each time a little hot gas escapes through that nipple hole, eventually that hole get's a little bigger and a little more gas escapes,, it's progressive.
When actively shooting the `vous circuit I noticed nipples being worn after about 400 shot's, easy to do when a weekend shoot would be 100-150 shots at each event. Cleaning methods also affect longevity.
Blow-back is common, and an easy fix, get a new nipple,

 

[PghDad]

The nipple is fairly new, but it does have a larger hole in it than the original. Was supposed to provide more sure ignition. Guess I'll change it back to the old one. Thanks!

 

[TechMoron]

My very first muzzleloader was a 54cal Renegade I built from a N.I.B, kit. With 70gr behind a maxi-ball it would put the hammer on half-cock right regular and with 90 or 100 grains would put it on full-cock. Being my very first muzzleloader and teaching myself/learning as I went, it was some time before I learned that this was not normal. LOL

 

[waksupi]

The nipple is fairly new, but it does have a larger hole in it than the original. Was supposed to provide more sure ignition. Guess I'll change it back to the old one. Thanks!

An enlarged vent almost always ensures POORER ignition. Not to mention, worse accuracy.

 

[oldwood]

Nipple worn out , or just too big of flash hole. Change the nipple out.

 

[dave951]

The nipple is fairly new, but it does have a larger hole in it than the original. Was supposed to provide more sure ignition. Guess I'll change it back to the old one. Thanks!

Nipple is trash. Larger hole means poor ignition and accuracy. Reenactors often drill out a nipple for "better ignition" but they're also notorious for poor maintenance.

 

[PghDad]

Just ordered a couple new ones from Track. Thanks again for the help.

 

[andy52]

Yep, I had a hammer blowback. whole darn nipple blowed out once went over my head flew about 30 yards and broke my truck window.
not a good thing.

 

[Notchy Bob]

I would agree with the consensus regarding the enlarged flash hole. However, you could probably get by with less powder, unless you want the extra energy for a hunting load. If you are just doing recreational or target shooting, maybe try about 2 drams (approximately 55 grains) and see how you like it. Work up from there a few grains at a time.

You don’t need heavy loads for punching paper, or just a fun afternoon at the range.

The old Mississippi is a good rifle. Brewerton said it was “… the best rifle for crossing the plains.”

Notchy Bob

 

[vintovka]

Semi-auto ml????

 

[longcruise]

They will burn out much faster if you shoot conicals with heavy loads. My 50 tc started blowing to half cock with abot 35 shots with maxi balls. Coil spring locks are more easily blown back.

 

[PghDad]

Semi-auto ml????

Shhh, don't let the ATF hear that! I can hear it now. "Large caliber military assault rifle modified to a rapid rate of fire"

 

[PghDad]

I would agree with the consensus regarding the enlarged flash hole. However, you could probably get by with less powder, unless you want the extra energy for a hunting load. If you are just doing recreational or target shooting, maybe try about 2 drams (approximately 55 grains) and see how you like it. Work up from there a few grains at a time.

You don’t need heavy loads for punching paper, or just a fun afternoon at the range.

The old Mississippi is a good rifle. Brewerton said it was “… the best rifle for crossing the plains.”

Notchy Bob

It's a hunting load. I'm using it for PA's opening day of deer.
It really is a great rifle, on that list of guns I would never sell.

 

[vintovka]

Shhh, don't let the ATF hear that! I can hear it now. "Large caliber military assault rifle modified to a rapid rate of fire"

Selbstladender Vorderlader!!