Author Topic: Siezed Breech Plug (Read 1334 times)

Degriz · « **on:** April 11, 2005, 01:48:19 AM »

Greetings All, I am new to the forum and am looking for some advice.

I shot my Omega yesterday with the 25acp breech plug conversion.
Took about 30 shots with different bullets to try to find that special one.

I was using 100 gr. of Triple 7FF for each shot, plug was lubed with TC Super Lube, just snug. Spit patch between shots.

Went to remove the plug for cleaning when I got home and this sucker was siezed solid! After many expletives and a the use of a extractor I was able to get the plug out.

Ordered another plug, but can not afford the same results ;o(

what would you guys recomend? Cleaning after less shots? Change of powder? different lube or tape?

looking foward to your help

Sgt Mike · « **Reply #1 on:** April 11, 2005, 02:34:30 AM »

Try backing the plug back just a hair when installing.........

pete50 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2005, 03:16:53 AM »

I use T/C Gorilla Grease liberally applied on mine. When I install it, I only turn it until the threads bottom out. I don't snug it past that. I've never hade a problem that it turned out or got too tight. It does get tight while shooting, but it's never been a problem. I've seen a large number of people suggest that every (5-10) shots, you should break it loose, then turn it back in to keep it from seizing. Hope this works for you.

cma g21 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2005, 04:12:25 AM »

I've had good luck with Permatex Anti-Seize.

http://www.autoaccessconnect.com/peanlu1oz.html

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 11, 2005, 04:19:03 AM »

Degriz, first off Welcome.

I use shooter choice high temp grease. I also use triple7 and if I snug the breech plug it will get a little hard to remove. The key is to install the plug tell it bottoms out and slightly back it off, at least that is what I do and it works great.

Keith Lewis · « **Reply #5 on:** April 11, 2005, 06:12:18 AM »

First question: Why are you ordering a new plug? If the plug is damaged you likely damaged the barrel threads too and that could be a problem later on. There is a possiblility that some of the reported barrel bursting could be due to damage to the breechplug/thread interface. If you have even the slightest chance that this is possible I would recommend sending the rifle to T/C with explanation and they will check it out. Next when I did use 777 (I no longer use it) I found that pink tape with choke tube anti-seize on top keeps the plug from sticking make sure the tape covers the threads and also the face of the plug around the sealing ring. I personally do not like the idea of loosening the plug as it only allows the gasses and corrosive crap from 777 to get into the threads. I know guys; some do this and it seems to work. I am only stating my feelings on this. My next question is if 777 is a problem why not consider a change in powder. I switched to Black Mag'3 and have not looked back yet. I have tried American Pioneer which is also better than 777 in my rifle (in fffg form) and am now ready to evaluate Goex Pinnacle (also fffg). These three powders are ascorbic acid based powder and are the least corrosive and least fouling of any of the synthetic black powders. My Omega gets higher velocity from equal volume measurements of Black Mag'3 than with the same volume of ffg 777 and has less felt recoil at the same time. Something to consider.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 11, 2005, 11:49:47 AM »

Keith Lewis, he used a easy out to get the plug out. It messed up the area where the 25ACP fits in. All he has to do is make sure the threads are ok and he will be fine. I would just run the old 209 breech plug in and see how the threads are. If they are fine then there will be no need to send the gun to T/C.

Degriz · « **Reply #7 on:** April 11, 2005, 01:33:41 PM »

Thanks all for the advice,

Yes, the easy out destroyed the plug but the original fits fine and no damage to the barrel.

When I ordered another 25acp plug from Ray at BP Bullet he asked how the original worked on my groups and I explained my problem. He is sending me a new plug free. Cant' beat that for customer service!

I also called Thompson Center, the Tech told me to use Automotive or Plumbers Anti seize compound and apply liberally. He also recomended not to exceed 10-12 shots before removing it.

I will be trying the Automotive compound since I have it in the garage.
That along with the information I learned here should solve my problem

Thanks again

wild willy · « **Reply #8 on:** April 11, 2005, 02:47:38 PM »

If you get another one tight you might want to let it soak over night with kroil or liquid wrench before you try to get it out putting the barrel in hot water might help too

Two Bears · « **Reply #9 on:** April 11, 2005, 08:22:42 PM »

I use white lithium grease that you can get from NAPA, A tube will cost you $2-3 bucks and works great!

tscott · « **Reply #10 on:** April 12, 2005, 12:31:20 AM »

I had the same problem ..different product. I went with backing off plug slightly, pulling and cleaning plug after 6 shots, light coat of any anti sieze grease= no problems. Hey, I'm from Orange Co. Last time I was home, didn't recognize the place. Where can you shoot?

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 12, 2005, 01:49:30 AM »

Degriz, glad to see you were taken care of, now keep us posted on your progress.

BeanMan · « **Reply #12 on:** April 12, 2005, 06:24:36 AM »

Degriz,

I switched from 777FFF to Black Mag 3. It solved both the problem with the breech plug and the crud ring. It is much more expensive and you may have to order it. For me it is worth it, I won't be switching back
to 777

If you stay with 777 back your plug out and then back in every five shots or so, also remove your plug while the barrel is still warm before going home.

Good luck,

BeanMan

Keith Lewis · « **Reply #13 on:** April 12, 2005, 06:37:30 AM »

Quote from: BeanMan

Degriz,

I switched from 777FFF to Black Mag 3. It solved both the problem with the breech plug and the crud ring. It is much more expensive and you may have to order it. For me it is worth it, I won't be switching back
to 777

Good luck,

BeanMan

I am a Black Mag'3 fan also. I don't use 777 anymore. 777 is $26 a pound at Wallyworld here in the Phoenix valley. I ordered five pounds of the new Goex Pinnacle and with shipping and hazmat it only came out to about $27. Once the Pinnacle hits the stores it might be less expensive. I have not shot it yet but plan to soon. I expect it might be similar to American Pioneer since it is made by them. Black Mag'3, American Pioneer and Goex Pinnacle are all ascorbic acid based powder and I am liking the Black Mag'3 a lot. I will post results as soon as I can.

astrix · « **Reply #14 on:** April 12, 2005, 06:45:08 AM »

I am now a fan of BM3 as well.After 50 shots,with anti-sieze tape,my
25 ACP plug unscrews as easily as it went in with my sidekick.I also
do not have the crud ring as I did with T7.I will gladly pay the extra
for BM3.My rifle also seems to group better than it did with T7 and
end of day cleaning is quick and simple (10 minutes and my gun is
clean and back in the cabinet).:grin:

1SHOT-1KILL · « **Reply #15 on:** April 13, 2005, 05:30:17 AM »

I good rule to follow when shooting Triple 7 in any muzzleloader, is that after the 3rd shot break the breech plug loose 1/2 turn, then retighten. This will break the dreaded crud ring that will stick the breech plug, before it actually stick s the breech plug. You should be able to shoot the rest of the day without having to worry about the breech plug sticking. Also a good breech plug lube is a must. Try Permatex Anti-seize, either the silver or the copper, available at any auto parts store. If it will prevent exhaust bolts from sticking, it will keep breech plug from sticking. Been using it for 15 years on my smokeless muzzleloaders and haven't had a stuck breech plug yet.

daddywpb · « **Reply #16 on:** April 13, 2005, 02:17:08 PM »

I use Pyrodex pellets, and the breech plug tape. The tape seems to have solved the problem of the plug getting stuck, but if it does I soak it in hot soapy water for a few minutes, and it comes out easily. If it's stuck, don't force it, soak it.

Arrroman · « **Reply #17 on:** April 13, 2005, 05:17:15 PM »

I only put the breechplug in screwdriver tight, then it still requires the leverage of a wrench to remove it.

I use the Gorilla Grease from T/C, it works good and fits in the possibles bag.

Make sure the threads inside the barrel are real clean when you assemble the gun. Any oil or petroleum product will act like Loctite and glaze over the threads when it gets hot and that will seize things tight. You are better off to put the plug in clean and dry then to use oil on the threads.

Keep your powder dry! Good luck hunting!

bpbulletsGuy · « **Reply #18 on:** April 22, 2005, 12:20:00 PM »

Degriz

Thanks for the kind words. Sounds like these guys all have good ideas. But, soaking it works for me.
:grin:
ray

rjo3491 · « **Reply #19 on:** April 24, 2005, 04:19:53 AM »

Hi:

Don't know if anybody said this yet (too many posts to read). Be sure to break the plug free (don't have to remove it) before leaving the range. I've always been able to avoid this problem by doing so. T7 will, "set up" pretty good in the time it takes you to get home.

Jay

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #20 on:** April 24, 2005, 10:46:02 AM »

A lot of times I will remove the breech plug after shooting at the range. I drop it into a small jar with water and vinegar windex mix.