need Buckhorn 209 help

[montveil]

I have an Optima 50 and have been using it for 6 years with no problems using 2  triple seven  X 50 pellets and 270/295 Powerbelt bullets and  W@inchester 209 muzzle loading primers

I started my range session using Winchester 209 ML primers, 2 triple seven pellets and 295 HP Powerbelt bullets swabbing after every 3 shots and as usual, all went well for my 20 shots. Having zeroed in the ML I started to use 80 grains of Buckhorn and immediately began to experience hang fires and mis-fires.

I changed breech plugs thinking the current one may have been fouled and it seemed to reduce the problems somewhat.
I went home and gave the rifle and both breech plugs a thorough cleaning. I then fired a fouling shot with the Buckhorn 209 and Winchester 209 primers. I felt that I solved the problem. Put the loaded, un-primed rifle in the truck for the AM hunt. Weather was fair and clear with night low 34
This AM I went into my woods with 80 grains of Buckhorn 209, Winchester  primers etc. I was hunting a 8 pointer, found him, drew a good bead, squeezed and puff- no fire, reseated the bullet as it moved about 8 inches down the barrel, re primed and and still a puff.
I had a backup load of triple seven BUT I COULD NOT UNLOAD, A LESSON TO BRING BREECH PLUG WRENCH.

Came home, removed the breech plug, powder was against the plug, unloaded, reloaded with BH 209 and test fired with no problems.
After this experience I am going back to dirty, crud ring, need to clean every time triple seven unless someone can suggest what is happening. 
 Thanks for any suggestions

[Buckskins & Black Powder]

You need a #32 drill bit to cut the carbon build up out of the flash channel, Just use your fingers and spin the bit by hand and the carbon will come out in either chunks or dust as pictured below.


You may also find it wise to increase your seating pressure so the Blackhorn209 is compacted tightly.

Are these winchester 777 primers or regular winchester W209 primers?

Blackhorn recommends the CCI 209M primers as well

[montveil]

The package states they are W209 primers

[Buckskins & Black Powder]

yeah most likely the carbon build up then.  I know when i had some hang fires with a factory plug and bh209, Don at BH209 said, Ah ha!! Just drill the flash hole out to our recommended .035" size and that will take care of it.  He was right.

[montveil]

Thanks
What drill size is .035?

[Buckskins & Black Powder]

#65

[montveil]

Thanks for all the help.
Having failed finding the stated drill sizes for the flash hole I looked for alternatives.
DAH, I finally remembered the acetylene cutting torch wire cleaners I have.

My local welding supplier has a set for around $5
The sizes may not be exact but they have a graduated set of wire "files" which do a great job of cleaning out the small channel.
I plan on regularly using these to clean my breech plugs

http://www.tpub.com/content/construction/14250/css/14250_106.htm

[montveil]

Having failed finding the stated drill sizes for the flash hole I looked for alternatives.
DAH, I finally remembered the acetylene cutting torch wire cleaners I have.

My local welding supplier has a set for around $5
The sizes may not be exact but they have a graduated set of wire "files" which do a great job of cleaning out the small channel.
I plan on regularly using these to clean my breech plugs

http://www.tpub.com/content/construction/14250/css/14250_106.htm