First time seeing a Male Pheasant

This is for sure a first. I was coming home from getting shots in my neck from the Rheumatologist and I looked over into this field that I check all the time and walking across the small field was a cock pheasant which I have never seen before.

 

Of course being a cell phone the quality is not that great sometimes but you can clearly see that it is a male.

 

I was hoping it would cross the road so I could get a better picture but of course it did not.

 

I have got to say that was the first one I actually ever saw and it was pretty neat and very nice to see.

Oh Boy! I have video on my Cell Phone

Guess what, I just found out that my cell phone has video. This is so cool, I am hoping this will give me an added accessory to my blog.

This video is the first and it features one of our cat's Dante.

Field Trip with with Tyler's Second Grade

Yesterday I went on a field trip with Tyler's class to the Children's Museum in West Hartford, Connecticut so I'll just let the pictures tell the story. It was fun a lot of fun though and Tyler was happy that Dad went.



Tyler searched for a dinosaur skeleton



I think I'm going to have to get him a pet rabbit



Here is a Bobcat



Here is a canadian Linx



Timber Rattler & Western Diamond Back Rattler



A Chinchilla



Equana



Last but not least Rocky the Raccoon



CVA pocket guide was a rare find

Well I found another old item on ebay. Actually it is 34 years old and it's a nice piece to go in my library.



CVA Muzzleloading Pocket Guide - copyright 1977



back cover



This pocket guide covers everything you can think of, the patched ball to casting the lead ball and everything inbetween. I do wish they still made the older style guns like the CVA Hawken or the CVA Mountain rifle with is old traditional look and side lock. Unfortunately the modern age took over and the demand for the tradional style fell short.

I do think it is slowly coming back though. Nothing against the new modern in-line muzzleloaders though, heck I have 4 of them and like them all and I proud to say they are all CVA's.

Trail Cam update for March 2011

Well I went out yesterday and check my camera after putting it out a week ago and I got what I expected which was not much. I did get a couple pictures that were 3 seconds apart but there was nothing in it so 'm wondering if maybe a bird set it off.

After I started looking around. I do like this spot but really being a new area I need to have more than one place to set up this fall. I like to try and scout out spots now before all the ground brush and bushes wake up and start sprouting because than it makes thing harder and does not look like what your going to deal with as far as terrain.

I found another spot that might be a good spot. It is near the other end of this swamp area and could prove to be another good spot for them to enter and exit. I will leave my trail cam where it is for another couple weeks and then move it to this new spot. During the summer I tend to slow down on my visits for a few reasons that being for one it is prime time for me to do some relaxing trout fishing. For two it is usually a grown over are that I set up that the deer use as travel spots. I also don't like to get eaten alive by skeeters who for some reason like me a lot.

The scouting continues ...............................

UFT's - Unidentified Flying Turkey's

This is not the exact picture but, to give you an idea add 3 more with this one and you will be looking at what I was on my way to work Friday afternoon. I have no idea where they came from only that the next thing I know I was dodging turkey's.

Just a reminder that just like autumn when the deer are running around you have to be just as prepared in the Spring for Turkey's. I was fortunate not to hit the four I almost collided with but you never can be to sure.

My experience of being lost, Lesson Learned

Well after speaking to Leon from "Survival Common Sense" and posting the article yesterday about traveling at night a story just happens to come to mind that i just have to mention because it kinda goes with Leon's post.

One year long ago (long enough so I can't remember) I was bowhunting with a friend and we were located about 200 yards apart. I was on the end of the swamp thicket where I have seen plenty of sign and have taken deer before, I felt pretty confident about the area as far as where I was and all my landmarks that I follow.

After hunting all day and it was starting to get dark I decided to lower my bow to the ground and head out to meet up with my friend. I had just lowered my bow when I heard a twig snap, I looked up and saw two deer following the thicket edge and heading right for me. The first words out of my mouth I won't say other than !@# !@#$ !@. I still had the rope in my hand so as quietly and quickly as I could I raised my bow back up, unhook the rope and quietly turn to get into position.

I was running out of day light real fast and decided to take the best shot that i could get. At one point the doe was about 20 yards from me and angled slightly toward me. I felt confident about the shot and let my 125 grain Thunderhead fly. I could not see the arrow as light faded fast but I do know I did hit her. With one jump this deer was gone. Into the swamp thicket she goes. !@#$ I thought so I lowered my bow and pack and climbed down at which point I heard my friend whistle. I responded and we met up at the base of my stand.

I told him I tagged a doe but don't know the hit. We went to where I last saw her and we found blood and my arrow which also had dark red blood. I explained the angle and the shot and we both thought it could be a liver hit in which case she would not go far. Thinking we knew the area pretty good we decided to try and follow up after waiting a few minutes and listening while we wait. Ocassionally we would hear a snap or something but then nothing.

We went in following the blood as we went and after what seemed like quite awhile we stopped to rest. just as soon as we got up to continue I heard a crash that scared the crap out of me and I pointed my flashlight just in time to see her dart off. I could not believe it but she had bedded down just 10 yards from us and we didn't know she was there. !@#$ it all to !@##.At that point We knew we should back out and come back during the daylight.

As we tried to follow the trail back we lost it some how and before we knew it we were all messed up. Everything looks so different at night that it didn't take long to get I hate to say it but LOST. Fortunately anoth hunter friend of ours saw my truck still out by the road as he was driving by and phone my wife and asked if I was home. She told him no I wasn't and she was beginning to worry (this was before either of us had cell phones). He said he would go and look.

After awhile of trying to figure out where the heck we were we started to hear someone yelling. sure enough it was our other friend and unbelievably he found us so we followed his voice because he was not going to enter the swampy thicket and end up like the two of us. By the time we met up and grabbed our gear and got back to the truck it was just after midnight.

All I can say is if you find yourself in that kind of situation it is better to back out and wait for morning and if your just plain lost STAY WHERE YOU ARE and someone will find you.

Oh ya, we went back out the next morning and looked all day and never found the doe. We were so concerned about being lost that we forgot tomark the last spot we saw her so we had no clue on which way to go and she had been bedded enough to stop the bleeding..

Lost in the Dark, What you should do.

For those of you who do not subscribe to Leon's blog "Survival Common Sense" which I highly recommend here is a post he did that I think has not been mentioned enough and should always come into play when you find yourself in this type of situation.

Night Travel and Navigation For The Backcountry Hiker

Posted on March 21st, 2011 by Leon in Leon's Blog

I heard this story from a member of the Deschutes County Search and Rescue team: The lost hiker kept moving throughout the night, even though he was off the trail, and bushwhacking through heavy brush. When he finally emerged on a road the next morning, he was exhausted, scratched from the bushes he’d pushed through and bruised from falling down. He was lucky not to be injured worse!

When asked why he didn’t just stay put, build a campfire and wait for daylight he replied: “I heard animals all around me!” If you think you’re lost the best advice is to stop, stay put and  wait until the sun comes up. But what if it is dangerous to stay? Suppose there is a forest fire and you have to keep ahead of it? Or what if rising water is creating a dangerous situation and there is no choice but to move or be trapped?
Again, if you’re lost, the best advice is to stay put! But if you absolutely must move, land navigation expert Blake Miller explains the skills to practice before attempting to navigate wilderness areas in the dark.

To read the rest of this great survival article please click on title.

Night Travel and Navigation For The Backcountry Hiker

Trophy Whitetails VI

I was browsing one of my favored sites yesterday "The Northeast Big Buck Club" and realized that they had the newest Trophy Whitetails VI - Limited Edition out for sale. At last year's annual Banquet which I have to say I look forward to every year I was able to to get volume's 1 & 2 so I am happy to say I am on my way. My goal is to get each and every one of these. If you wish to get 1. 2. 3. 4. 5 or even the newest #6 just visit the link below.

Trophy Whitetails VI - Limited Edition

 
This is the sixth edition of the Northeast Big Buck Club Record Book. It includes all trophies recorded by the NBBC through May 2010.

This book includes nearly 10,000 trophy bucks scored by the NBBC over the past 15 years. The format provides state-by-state records and rankings for all seven states in the Northeastern U.S., including CT, MA, RI, NY, NH, VT, ME and PA. We also have a collection of trophies from other states” which includes bucks entered by hunters from the Northeast, but taken in other areas of the U.S. and Canada.

Within each state trophies are ranked by “harvest category” (bow, gun, muzzleloader) and by scoring category” (typical vs. non-typical). We also separately list bucks entered by all other means in our “pickup/acquire” category. And finally, we have a separate category for shed antlers. As all hunters know, what makes a buck a trophy is much more than just the score of the rack. We have included great stories, hundreds of color photos, and many tidbits of information. All of this comes together in this great hardbound keepsake of the Northeast’s best deer hunting memories!

$35 for Members plus s/h or $39 for Non-Members plus s/h

I wish I found Sheds like These

This is a pretty cool video of a Shed Hunt with a 212″ Missouri Buck

Video courtesy of  MAN vs WHITETAIL on American Hunter.com

Some Assembly Required - No Problem!

Yesterday I also put together my new fixed position stand ( of course there is always some assembly required) which I will be using this season. I honestly didn't know much about "Big Game Treestands" but I had looked at it on line and then at Cabela's and wanted to give it a try. Oh ya, I also forgot to mention the "Drury Outdoors" endorses the brand as well which was part of my deciding factor.

The material it is made out of is very strong which square tubular steel would be and I was impressed with the way the mesh and all the welded joints were done.

It does way approximately 18 pounds but as long as you have back straps to haul it in and out the weight should not be a problem. I will be picking some up as so as possible.

The bolts they use also came with teflon washers which will cut down on noise and lock nuts which are very nice because the do not loosen, that is why they are called lock nuts.

I tighten everything just enough where it was not to tight so I could not move it but loose enough where it can fold up to haul out.

All assembled I propped up the seat which by the way is a good 2" of camo covered foam which can be detached from the seat by two snap buckles.

The only thing left to do at this point was to secure the safety strap that will go around the tree and hook to the other side of the stand. This will be an added safety measure that will keep the stand securely in the tree while you are using it.

I very much am looking forward to try ing this out and plan to in the very near future, weather permitting. Right now as I am typing this post we are getting a small spring snow fall.

Another interesting part to this purchase was the company had put a Treestand Safety dvd in with the owners manual which I thought was a great touch and after viewing it I just had to give them a 2 thumbs up for it.  With that was also a Full Body Harness which worked properly would prevent you from falling to the ground and help you get back to your platform.

One last thing that I noticed was a stamped metal tag that was placed conviently out of the way which had a serial number on it and if you sprayed just a little flat black paint over it you probably would not notice it. With this information you can register your treestand which could possible help in the event that some unethical hunter might steel it and it could help you and the authorities get it back.

So all and all for the exception of not actually trying it (which I will be doing soon) I feel the assembly, the materials, the safety dvd and the full body harness were a very good deal for what I paid for it.

Retail for this item and it's contents at Cabela's was $89.99

Set up Trail Cam for Springtime Pictures

Well I did make it out for a walk yesterday in between working on stuff around the house. It was a beautiful day to say the least, t-shirt weather in the sun and sweatshirt weather in the shade.

As you can see below I stuck to my plan not that I think you knew what the plan was but I did. I made it out to this what I thought was a smal swamp but turned out to be a big swamp.

 

Both of those pictures were taken from an elevated knoll which I almost think is a layover spot for the deer to make sure the pine grove is clear. I was already thinking of scenarios and stand placements before I even left the woods.

I did manage to set up my trail cam on what I think was a good entry/exit area so we'll give it a week or two and see what happens. On my way back I of course stopped along the way to check out a couple of other spots and came across someone's ladder stand.

Of course I didn't take it but now I know why I wanted to check that spot out because someone else had the same idea. This new area is so big that even if I went out every week all summer long there still would be spots that I hadn't looked at. I spent the last two seasons hunting a ridge a ways from where I am now and I know that has deer so I can always use that as anther location depending on the wind.

I'll keep you posted.

Weekend plans include Breakfast and a Walk in the Woods

Here it is and you should be reading Sunday's post. I really look forward to the weekends lately because that seems to be the only time I get anything accomplished. Yesterday (Saturday) I was working on this and that around the house and it was a good day actually because I was able to get a few things done.

Today hopefully while you are reading this I will either be getting more stuff done around the house or I will be taking a walk in the woods. I want to get out and set up my camera and look around  a bit for some antlers. I will be concentrating on a new spot in the area I have been in for the past two years.

breakfast of champions - eggs,toast,bacon,sausage & coffee in my favorite deer mug

That was Saturdays breakfast, I'm not sure what I'm having for Sunday. Whatever it is I hope it gives me energy to get more done around the house and get me out in the woods to set up my cam and look for bone.

I hope to have to pictures to share with you for Mondays post so please be sure to come back.

Continued questions about the Effectiveness of a Quick Release Breech Plug

Here is some more very good informatiion on the QRBP system and some of the complaints that have surfaced. I just want to mention that the hard work and nice job of providing good information came from "Max Muzzleloader"

photo courtesy of Max Muzzleloader

Looking at my models, you can tell why just drilling a Flash Hole from .026 +/- to .035 +/- will really only give you an increased "fire stream" going into the Flash Hole of about .009.  In this case, "not much" really doesn't matter much at all. As some of you know, a bigger hole does not always fix the CVA QRBP problem.

photo courtesy of Max Muzzleloader

As you can see, most of the fire in the CVA plug is hitting a (pretty much) solid wall.  A little more fire is getting to the Flash Hole in the Thompson Center plug, but not much.  And again, I can't stress how much "not much" matters in this case!

You can see what a difference the new Blackhorn plug will make in fire delivery to the powder, not with just their powder, but with all powders.

Read the complete findings by visiting Max Muzzleloader Blog 

Closest the Moon will be in Eighteen Years.

I received this in my work email from one of the Professors. I started thinking this could be a good time to see if the wild animals act differently than not. I know it is suppose to effect the tides so why not the am=nimals like the deer.

Full Moon on March 19 Appears Largest in over 18-years

 

On March 19 the full Moon will look the largest it’s been since March 8, 1993.  This is because the Moon’s orbit is not a circle but an ellipse (like an oval).  Due to the elliptical shape of its orbit the Moon comes closest to the Earth once each orbit – or about once each month.  This point is called perigee and is around 31,000 miles closer than its furthest point – called apogee.   For the year, the closest full Moon to the time of lunar perigee is referred to as a “perigee full Moon”.  At this time the full Moon will look the biggest for the year.  On March 19 the full Moon and perigee occur less than an hour apart, the closest the two events have been for about 18-years – according to Geoff Chester of the United States Naval Observatory.

 

A perigee full Moon appears about 14 to 15-percent larger than an apogee full Moon.  The best time to visually experience this event will be at the rising or setting of the Moon.  This is because of an optical illusion called the Moon Illusion.  Because the brain interprets objects near the horizon to be further away than objects overhead, the brain compensates by making the rising and setting Moon seem larger.

 

On March 19 from Willimantic the full Moon will set at 6:23 am EDT and rise again at 7:20 pm EDT.  The actual time of full Moon is 2:10 pm EDT, when the Moon will be below the Willimantic horizon.  So as seen from Willimantic, the absolute largest Moon will be the rising Moon at 7:20 pm.

 

But can someone actually notice the difference?  Since the smallest full Moon (apogee full Moon) occurs about half a year later it will be hard to make the mental comparison.  The best way to ‘see’ the difference will be to take a picture of the perigee full Moon and then take another picture of an apogee full Moon.  According to my calculations, the smallest full Moon of 2011 occurs on October 11, 2011.   Full Moon occurs on October 11 at 10:00 pm EDT (Willimantic Moon rise at 5:44 pm) while apogee occurs on October 12^th at 8:00 am EDT – a difference of 10 hours.  I did this photographic experiment back in the 1980’s and once my two images were shown side-by-side the difference became obvious and dramatic.

 

The tidal effects of this extra-close full Moon have been calculated to be minor.  According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) online tidal calculator, it is expected the “perigean tide” on March 19 at New London, Connecticut will be only about 1.8-inches higher than the “apogean tide” on October 11, 2011. 

 

For more information see: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/16mar_supermoon/

 

 

Russell (Russ) D. Sampson

Associate Professor of Physical Sciences

Assistant Director of the Robert K. Wickware Planetarium

See You when I see You!

Well yesterday was 5 years since my Dad had died and Mom and I with my brother Steve and sister Laurie all met for lunch at a local diner and then went to pay our respects. It was really nice that we got together because quite frankly we don't do enough of that.

We talked about what's been happening with my brother and what's happening with my sister and me as well. As far as Mom she was just so happy that we got together and had a good time.

Last Saturday I decided to get another tattoo but I wanted it to reflect my dad some how so I had a cross with a ribbon with Dad on it and it also say's 1930 to 2006. The picture ain't the best quality cause I was using my cell phone in the bathroom mirror.

This one is better color wise but the shinyness is from the A & D ointment.

I miss my dad a lot but I have so many great memories that it helps. 

God rest your Soul Dad, I'll see you when I see you.

IMR Legendary Powders Press Release

This I found while viewing MAX - Muzzleloading Blog so I want to share with you who have not seen this. I have tried IMR Whitetahots before which by the way I did not like but I have never tried this type.

Posted: 16 Mar 2011 05:08 AM PDT

Chris Hodgdon of Hodgdon Powders sent this press release out to members of the media a couple of days ago and after reading it, it was obvious that Hodgdon felt necessary to release it for the safety of all muzzleloaders.  Please read and pass on within the muzzleloading community.  Remember:  Always MAXimize Your Safety!

Media Release - March 2011 - For Immediate Release

IMR® Trail Boss® is 100% Smokeless Powder

Shawnee Mission Kansas, IMR Legendary Powders is clarifying recent misconceptions about TRAIL BOSS gunpowder. TRAIL BOSS is a 100% SMOKELESS propellant. Various articles and blogs have appeared miss-stating that TRAIL BOSS is a blackpowder/muzzleloading type propellant. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Since TRAIL BOSS is smokeless it does not require any special cleaning like muzzleloading powders. Using TRAIL BOSS, or any smokeless powder, in a muzzleloading firearm is never recommended.

The primary advantage of TRAIL BOSS is that even in reduced, low velocity loads such as those popular with Cowboy Action shooting the powder fills the shell case. This not only improves the ballistic uniformity of the load but is an added safety feature for the handloader because an accidental double charge spills over the shell case. Always follow IMR’s loading recommendations exactly as shown in the 2011 Basic Smokeless Manual, Annual Manual and in the RELOADING DATA CENTER at imrpowder.com. For more information on further loading information, contact IMR Powder Company, 6231 Robinson, Shawnee Mission, KS 66202, Phone: 913-362-9455; E-mail: help@ihodgdon.com.

Upcoming Walk through on a Rod & Gun Club

I have been offered a walk around at a rod & gun club from one of my readers Mike. He had read I was looking for a place to shoot year round. I know I have tried the whole gun club thing before and due to circumstances beyond my control I was sort of told to leave because of time not put in. What ever, old story old news.

I did a map quest search for the club offered and it looks like it will take me an hour to get there but you know it will be worth it if I can keep up with there membership obligation requests and my obligations to finish these product reviews so I can do more.

I'll keep you updated on how it goes. Sprague Rod & Gun club

Energy Savings and Safety, Can't beat that

We recently had some more work done around the house and one of those things were having Smoke Alarm/ Carbon Monoxide detectors hard wired in the house which brings us up to code. It is always a good idea to at the very least test these every month and change batteries every six months.

Another item we were fortunate enough to have done was replace all the windows. The ones we had were basically single pane windows with old frames. I know on a windy cold the the livingroom would have such a draft from the wind coming off the lake that you would have to wrap yourself in a blanket to stay warm.

The nice thing about these is they fold in so now i don't have to climb a ladder to clean them. That just happens to be a pet peave of mine. I can not stand looking out a dirty window, I absolutely hate it.

I know winter is almost over but I would think we should see a significant change in the heating bills. A savings that I know we could use.

I'm Stuck in a Holding Pattern

I'm stuck in a holding pattern so I thought I would fill you in. Since Fall I have built up a few product reviews to share with you all just as soon as I can do them the proper way. But, once the CT. DEP closed their public range for the winter I have been in limbo and it is rather frustrating because I am quite sure some are wondering where their reviews are.

Here is a list of pending product reviews in no particular order that I will be posting about in the very near future. I do apologize for the delays in the readings but I have no perfectly good excuse other than to say I will get to each and every one of these. This could account for my sites lack of attendance, you think.

• CVA APEX which came with a 50 caliber muzzleloader barrel & a .243 center-fire barrel
• Caldwell's Matrix Gun & Bench & Rest
• Survival Common Sense's Fire starter sticks
• BK Leather Palm Protector
• Corey's Custom Lead Muzzleloading balls
• Swiss Balckpowder
• German Blackpowder
• Powerbelt Aerolites
• Butch's Cleaning Products - Bore Shine & Gun Oil

Being Prepared also means Being Safe

I have touched on this subject before but I wanted to highlight or point out a few things that I might have missed before. The title to this post explains it all and that is "Being Prepared also means Being Safe". See as I get more and more into blackpowder shooting I realized I have been accumaulating a certain amount of blackpowder and such like ammunition. I don't mind really but I want to make sure I am storing it properly as best I can and as safely as I can.

I am in the process of drawing out plans to build a cabinet in the basement specifically for this purpose. It is a good thing really because I needed to upgrade our storage shelving so I will incorporate a cabinet into all the new shelving, killing to birds with one stone in a figure of speech only. I feel another project coming on.

Black Powder Handling, Storage and Safety Precautions

WARNING! Black Powder is extremely flammable and explosive! Fire or explosion can cause serious bodily injury or death. Keep out of reach of children. Keep away from heat, sparks and open flame. Avoid impact and friction.

Fg – Small bore cannons or large bore muskets (.75 caliber or larger)

FFg- Large bore fusils, trade guns or rifles (.50 caliber or larger)

FFFg- Small bore rifles or pistols (smaller than .50 caliber)

FFFFg – Priming flintlocks ONLY

Handling and Storage Precautions:

Avoid impact, friction, heat, sparks and open flame.

Never smoke while handling black powder.

Never handle or use black powder after drinking alcohol or using mind-altering drugs.

Keep containers tightly closed when not in use.

Do not mix black powder with any other type of gunpowder.

Do not purchase or accept black powder that is not in its original, factory sealed container.

Do not dispense black powder directly from the canister, flask or horn into the firearm.

Do not dispense substantial amounts of black powder in close proximity to the firearm.

Learn and obey all laws and regulations regarding quantities of explosive material and methods of storage.

Do not store black powder in the same area with other flammable materials.

Do not store black powder within the reach of children.

Store black powder only in manufacturer approved containers.

Streams and Rivers are over flowing in Connecticut

I thought the snow we got this winter was more than usual but I took these two pictures yesterday afternoon on my way to work.

The snow and rain have to go somewhere! I guess.



Mt Hope Bridge





My now larger than ever trout stream



Even the most Up to Date need the Bugs worked Out

This seems to be a popular topic for quite some time now and I have personally run into this problem myself. If not dealt with could result in an untimely primer cap discharge and/or powder charge going off. I do have to say that I highly recommend this powder and still firmly stand by CVA and their new Quick Release Breach Plug system which has come up in conversation.

The following information can be read in detail by visiting the Blackhorn 209 site and of course any other late breaking news I will fill you in on.

Blackhorn 209 Ignition problems

We have received reports of ignition issues and hangfires with Blackhorn 209. To better address this subject, it is important to understand what can cause ignition problems with Blackhorn 209 and the appropriate steps that may be taken to resolve these issues.

Blackhorn 209 is a very consistent and effective muzzleloading propellant that is unmatched in its quality and accuracy. Because of its unique formulation, Blackhorn 209 requires a properly functioning ignition chamber more so than black powder and lower quality substitutes – thus poor ignition is not a result of the powder failing or going bad. Ignition difficulties can occur, however, if one or more of the following factors exists:

1. Breech Plug is Dirty or Fouled

Breech plug cleaning is often inadequate. Most muzzleloading shooters do not realize the amount of primer residue that builds up in a breech plug flash channel. This residue is extremely hard and does not dissolve with water or solvents. It must be removed mechanically. Soaking a breech plug in Thompson Centers T-17 will soften the primer residue and ease the removal process, but it will still take mechanical means to remove the primer residue.
Note the amount of fouling in this breech plug flash channel. The flash channel has effectively been reduced by 50% and as such the flame and gas volume going through the flash hole to the powder is also significantly reduced. In addition, the erratic and rough structure of the walls of the hole is not favorable to efficient gas flow. This buildup occurred after 20 rounds with a Winchester 209 primer and Triple 7. Some of the buildup can be attributed to powder.
For proper cleaning techniques, go to Breech Plug Cleaning.

2. Incorrect primer

We do not recommend any of the 209 primers designated for muzzleloaders (Winchester Triple 7, CCI MZL, Federal Fusion, or Remington Kleanbore). These primers are all weaker than standard shotshell 209 primers and do not provide adequate ignition for Blackhorn 209 – especially when used in a poorly designed breech plug system.

3. Non-compatible or poorly designed breech plug

There have been many different styles of breech plugs from all the gun manufacturers over the years. It is impossible for us to evaluate every breech plug that has been manufactured and the problem goes deeper than just the breech plug, it also depends on the fit of the primer in the breech plug and the head space between the breech face and the breech plug.
A properly designed breech plug should seal the primer, have minimal head space (less than 0.004”) and should effectively facilitate efficient flow of the flame and gas through the flash hole including a proper face angle on the flash hole cone. Failure of any or all of these requirements may cause hangfires and poor accuracy due to inconsistent ignition.
We have pin gauged a number of flash holes from all manufacturers and found there can be a wide variation of the flash hole size. Even within the same model breech plug we have measured variances of 0.005”. This lack of tolerance control can certainly contribute to poor ignition and also poor accuracy. Is there an optimum size flash hole that will ignite Blackhorn 209? Generally, IF all other factors mentioned above (minimal head space, good flash cone angle, good primer seal and minimal distance from primer to flash hole [see below]) are correct, a flash hole of 0.0030” – 0.0035” is sufficient to ignite Blackhorn 209.
The flash channel should be adequate to transfer the flame and hot gasses to the flash hole. The angle at the point of the hole reduction should be conducive to funneling the gasses through the flash hole efficiently, say 60°. Many breech plugs have a very shallow and in some cases, no angle. A shallow angle or a flat bottom hole causes the gasses to reflect back and disrupt the necessary smooth flow of gasses through the flash hole and into the powder column.
a. Too Much Head Space

Pressure is reduced in the flash channel as the primer backs out and reduces the flow of gas and flame to the flash hole.

Head space is the distance between the face of the gun breech to the back of the breech plug in the locked position. Too much head space allows the primer to back out during firing. If your primer has a tight fit in the breech plug, but you are still getting dirty primers, you have a head space problem.
b. Excessively Long Flash Channel

Heat is robbed by excessively long breech plug and increased volume of flash channel reduces chances for good ignition

With the advent of quick release breech plugs gun manufacturers have increased breech plug length and subsequently the distance from the primer to the flash hole. Lengthening this distance can only allow the side walls of the flash channel to rob heat and energy from the primer and the increase in volume of the flash channel reduces pressure through the flash hole.
An excessively long breech plug can also contribute to ignition problems especially in cold weather. A longer breech plug absorbs more energy from the primer by acting as a heat sink for the flame and hot gasses. It doesn’t make sense to move the powder farther from the ignition source.
Easy breech plug removal has never been a problem with Blackhorn 209.

4. Poor fitting primer

The looser the primer fit the more blow back you can expect and the less likely you are to transmit sufficient gas and flame to the powder. Observe the condition of your primers after firing. If they are largely black, you are getting excessive blow back. Below is an example of same brand primer fired in two different muzzleloaders.
If your primer looks like the one on the right, call your gun manufacturer.
Not only does this result in a large loss of energy in the wrong direction, the escaping gasses leave excessive fouling in the breech area. These gasses can also exit the gun, cause damage your scope and is not considered safe. Safety glasses should always be worn when shooting a firearm.

5. Loose bullet with inadequate seal or compression

I will say that after talking to other blackpowder shooters some have gone to the point of making the flash channel bigger by drilling it out. I don't like that idea for two basic reasons.

1. It will void the manufacturers warranty
2. If it was intended to have a bigger flash channel then they would have put one in it, in other words a potential for an accident.

These are my comments/remarks and are no way connected to CVA or BH209.

Here is a Recipe from the Past

Here is another interesting survival post from Leon at "Survival Common Sense" that might be interesting to some of you history buffs like myself.

Hardtack: A Great, Cheap Addition to Your Survival Gear

by Leon Pantenburg Looking for a way to use up surplus flour, or make a cheap trail food or durable survival ration? One answer may be hardtack, a baked, unleavened wheat cracker. As a survival food, hardtack has a proven track record.

Vicksburg, MS: My gray-clad brothers-in-arms and I  hunkered down to eat. In the morning, we would do battle with those “heathen Yankee horde” Civil War re-enactors at Champions Hill, between Jackson and Vicksburg,  Mississippi.
I was “under cover” on assignment for the Vicksburg Post to photograph the battle, one of the biggest re-enactments of the year. Except for the Nikon safely hidden  in my haversack, my gear, weapons and accouterments were authentic in every way.
Since I was working for the Post, I had to represent the home team and be a Confederate. (This probably caused a minor earth tremor in Ruthven, Iowa, as my great-great-grandfather, James Hallowell,  92th Illinois infantry rolled in his gravel)

My only excuse was that like most Confederate soldiers, I had been drafted, thought “The Cause” was illogical, had no choice about being there, and wanted to go home!

To read the rest of Leon's article and get the recipes to make your own hardtack just click here and please do leave him a comment if you can.