mechanic,
Thanks for the reply. That is one lot date that I never had, there should also be a lone number above the date on that sticker. It should be something around a 5, 6, or 7.
Still curious as to which muzzleloader and breech plug you were using? I have never had it fail to fire even though I tried. I have fired it in rifles it wasn't even designed to shoot in, as that is just my nature to find out why it won't work with lesser ignitions. These include not recommended 209 ignitions, .25 ACP ignition with both standard and magnum small rifle primers, as well as #11 ignition rifles and shotguns just to test what the minimum should be. The #11 ignition had some hang-fires, but never failed to ignite. The .25 ACP ignition was much better with the standard SRP, but still not what I would call perfect ignition, it was not what I would call hang-fires though, it did seem like it was just a millisecond after the hammer fell. The .25 ACP with the magnum SRP was excellent with saboted bullets in mild weather, but not so much with full bore conicals in cooler 40 degree weather. In the not recommended 209 breech plugs it was not so much a problem with ignition, but rather with the 209 primers seperating after the shot. The H&R/NEF standard 209 ignition with the orange primer carriers were about as bad as it could get, as they leaked heat and pressure like crazy. I found them not reliable, even if you used a brand new carrier for each shot.
I have tested it from one extreme to the other, as much as 50 shots through the same breech plug without ever having to swab the bore or pick the plug. I have shot everything from 155 grain saboted bullets in my .45's to 480 grain full bore conicals in my .50's. Did you contact Western about your results? I am very sure they would have liked to hear that feedback. I do know that whatever works in the mild summer months, may not give you the same results in the cold winter months when it gets down in the sub zero temps. That is why for hunting, I only use the Federal 209A or CCI 209M primers, as they are the hottest 209 primers. For paper punching, I have used several (11) different 209 primers without a problem. Even all the way down to the 209-4 (410) primers and not recommended reduced muzzleloading primers.
The powder does need a good sealed 209 type ignition in the muzzleloader, as it needs both heat and pressure for best ignition results. With the recommended type of 209 ignition, and several custom/costumized 209 breech plugs, I have never had a problem.
I am most curious to know the muzzleloader (model, make), breech plug type, and bullets you were using? your results
Thanks again!
