Touch-Hole angle Question:

[XVIIc Wheelock]

Should muzzle-loader touch-hole be drilled straight into the bore or angled slightly...I have read but do not remember where...thoughts were back in the day to slightly angle toward the muzzle so that loading powder will enter the touch hole....but that seems counter to clearing powder from the touch hole for faster ignition?

 

[Sam squanch]

The straight drilled hole will have less distance from the pan to the barrel charge. But I’ve seen a few angled ones, mainly to clear the breech plug face. I’d just use a white lightning liner and be done with it.

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Straight …

 

[XVIIc Wheelock]

That was my conclusion...happy for the confirming support! Thanks

 

[Pukka Bundook]

Matchlock toradors quite often angled towards muzzle is my finding. (away from shooter)
Had a few like that.

 

[deerstalkert]

Matchlock toradors quite often angled towards muzzle is my finding. (away from shooter)
Had a few like that.

seems as that would direct a squirt of gas back at the shooter? just me but a typical pan flash is enough excitement for me.

 

[Pukka Bundook]

Deerstalker,
No, if you put a pick in the touch-hole the pick points towards the Muzzle somewhat....Away from the shooter.

Ok. I see now! You think I mean towards the muzzle on the Inside of the barrel, whereas I mean towards muzzle on the Outside!!
LOL!

 

[deerstalkert]

Ah! directed towards the breech plug face! i can see how that works. this is what i love about MZ loaders. you can put your stamp on each one.
i just locate the vent hole center of pan and just far enough forward of the breech face to drill and tap for a liner in the future if needs be.

 

[Sidney Smith]

Straight. If it ain't broke don't fix it.