CVA Percussion drum

[Jay]

This is a new to me rifle when I was cleaning it I noticed water coming out of the hole where the nipple goes in another hole and I was just wondering if anybody knows what the second hole is for if it’s supposed to be plugged Will post some pics we got about 12 shots off no problems then we started having some misfires this was before I noticed the additional hole any help would be appreciated

 

[hawkeye2]

A previous owner has vented the drum. The idea was to eliminate pressure buildup ahead of the flame from the cap and insure better ignition with fewer misfires. The Dixie Gun Works catalogs have had a brief description of the procedure in the back for as long as they have been published. I have never seen a need for it but it doesn't hurt a thing and the loss in velocity due to it would be negligible. It in no way affects the safety of the gun and I wouldn't go to the trouble of plugging it.

 

[Grenadier1758]

I'll affirm @hawkeye2's evaluation. It's a vent for the flash channel.

 

[Jay]

Thanks for the info I have never seen anything like this but the gun sure shoots good My 12-year-old’s first two shots or at the top offhand at 25 yards

 

[Grenadier1758]

Now that we have settled the vent hole, we need to address the misfire issue.

I suspect that fouling is building up as you shoot to the point that the fouling g is blocking the flash channel. A lot of the answers will depend on the powder used, lubrication for each shot and how much, cleaning or wiping between shots, and local humidity.

So tell us about each step in your shooting process and we may be able to help with eliminating the misfires.

 

[Jay]

I use triple seven with a pushing daisies lubricated patch I use the same set up on all my other muzzleloaders and I can normally shoot a whole match without cleaning the boar and have zero misfires. I load on half cock normally give the barrel tap after I drop the powder

 

[Buckskinquin]

I use triple seven with a pushing daisies lubricated patch I use the same set up on all my other muzzleloaders and I can normally shoot a whole match without cleaning the boar and have zero misfires. I load on half cock normally give the barrel tap after I drop the powder

I agree that your drum has been vented, but the hole appears larger than the #50 drill (1/16”) recommended by Dixie. If that’s the case, you may be directing the flash the wrong way. Seeking the path of least resistance. Might want to consider threading and plugging if it’s too big.

 

[Bad Karma]

Some people swear by the drum vent, others swear at them. I’m ambivalent but I would thread and plug that hole, and buy myself a good nipple. Hot Shot nipples work well with Triple 7 or other substitute powders.

 

[ohio ramrod]

Forty eight years ago I vented the drums on my swivel breech as per the Dixie instructions. I find it seems to help. The only draw back is for hunting in wet weather I "plug" the hole with beeswax so moisture doesn't seep in (you have to "replug" after each shot.)