Author Topic: dreaded breach plug woes (Read 1056 times)

jdbe · « **on:** January 26, 2005, 03:21:27 PM »

Ok, what is the trick to being able to get out the breech plugs? I tried using a little teflon tape, but the threads are soo tight that it would not stay in them. Then I went to sportsmans warehouse and bought some stuff designed to allow easy take out of the breech ( breech plug grease). Well, I fired 40 rounds through it at the range - running a jag with solvent patch between shots. When I fot home, I could not get the breech out. I ended up soaking it it the tub then using all my strength and a long rod to just barely be able to break it free. I was using pyrodes RS and never touched any butter or other crap to the barrel

tscott · « **Reply #1 on:** January 26, 2005, 04:27:52 PM »

40 shots? Wow!
Pull the plug after 5 shots. Clean the barrel, and plug, pay attention to threads. I'm talking a quickie cleaning... 3 - 5 min. Lube plug, screw in tight, and then back it off slightly. Full cleaning at home!

jdbe · « **Reply #2 on:** January 26, 2005, 05:24:09 PM »

Well, that is a bummer - we need to take out plug every 5 shots? That means that I must welt on a socket to the breech plug wrench as that stock one is one pain in the arse to use.

Primer · « **Reply #3 on:** January 26, 2005, 05:59:53 PM »

jdbe,

I think that you can just break the plug loose ( 1/2 turn) and retighten to "finger tight only" after approx 6- 7- 8 shots,depending on your charge size.
I don't have much of any problem unless I get above 60 gr of 777.......and the problem seems proportionate to the size of the charge used.
At 85gr of 777,I loosen plug (while barrel is still warm) every 6-7 shots and then finger tighten...when I can remember. :roll: This helps heaps to keep the weld from building between the breech plug end and recessed breech area of barrel.

One other hint that works magic for me is to keep a little extra lube above the thread area of the plug when you first install it.. ( p.s. ...have switched to Knight's breech plug anti seize and loving it.) Good luck!

corelokt308win · « **Reply #4 on:** January 27, 2005, 07:34:23 AM »

Take a socket with an extension the length you want in it that's a snug fit over the plug wrench, put a bit of JB weld on the plug wrench and a bunch in the socket and hammer it together. Worked for me and is easier than welding. An extension makes working around a scope easier too.

Busta · « **Reply #5 on:** January 27, 2005, 11:08:38 AM »

jdbe,

The trick to using the pink teflon tape is to start at the rear of the plug and wrapping only one layer of the tape in a clockwise direction with the front of plug facing you. Make sure you only overlap enough to cover the threads. Once you have the plug wrapped by keeping your tape snug, then take your fingernail and while turning the plug seat the tape down into the treads all the way up. Now take your favorite breech plug grease and cover the tape to lubricate it and slowly turn it into the breech.

I have been using the tape for over 2 years on all of my muzzleloaders (3 Whites, 2 Knights, NEF Huntsman) with breech plugs and it woks like a charm on all of them including the NEF. When removing the plug some of the tape will separate and work it's way into the rear scope base screw hole, but you can pick it out easy with a nipple pick or paper clip.

Coating the tape with a light coat of grease is the secret to making the tape work. I have been shooting 777 for over 2 years and I have never had a plug seize when using the tape coated with grease.

Another thing you can do is crack your breech plug loose right after you make your last shot at the range while the plug and barrel are still hot/warm and you should not have a problem.

This past deer season I started using Black Mag'3 Powder and can get away with using just breech plug grease without the tape.

I have modified my BP tool to make breech plug removal VERY EASY. I will post a link when I dig it up.

Busta · « **Reply #6 on:** January 27, 2005, 11:35:30 AM »

jdbe,

Here is the link. Perklo has another way to skin a cat in there too. He has a very nice site with lots of things to get the wheels a turnin'. :wink:

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=28961&highlight=

jdbe · « **Reply #7 on:** January 27, 2005, 06:23:46 PM »

I had thought of welding on a socket, but not just welding on a large nut to then put the socket over. That would work great as can fill the inside of the nut with metal to get a really strong tool that I can just put a socket over. I liked the milling idea, but allas, I have a surface grinder, but it would be faster to just weld the large nut to the top for me then to grind the flats. Regarding the tape - I used standard white pipe thread tape. Is that different from the " pink stuff" that you mentioned? I saw breech tape in the muzzleloader section, but figured it was just an expensive package of normal plumbing tape. I will try grease over it. Should I still loosen ever 5 shots or so with the tape and grease? Thanks for the help.

Busta · « **Reply #8 on:** January 27, 2005, 11:33:17 PM »

jdbe,

You can get the pink PTFE waterline teflon tape at any home improvement or hardware store where they sell plumbing stuff. It is made by Oatey and I am sure it is the same stuff that T/C sells for alot less, about $2.50 a roll. Just remember to work it into the threads, then grease and you should have no problems. For added insurance, back the plug off a little while it is still warm at the range, but not neccessary.