Gunsmithing Loaded Muzzleloader

[Lockhart]

Good evening everyone,
I have found myself in a bit of a pickle. I recently inherited my dad's muzzleloader that has been loaded since approx. 2007-2008. The entire internal assembly is rusted and I cannot get it to budge. I was able to get the nipple off to drain the powder but the breach plug won't give. I've tried several lubricating and release agents and nothing is working. Taking it to a smith is not really in the budget and honestly I don't see using the firearm even if I could get it repaired. There are many of the rifles that I inherited that have a lot of sentimental value but this is not one of them.

So I have two questions:
What would be the proper way to dispose of this rifle?

What if anything can I use to get the projectile out of it with the breach plug stuck? I was able to remove the powder charge through the nipple cavity once it was removed.

Thanks in advance!

 

[SND]

Use a bullet puller to get the ball or projectile out - see link. Takes some time to get it to auger in to the projectile but I hear they do work.

You might also try putting a few grains of powder back in through the flash hole, reinstall the nipple and just shoot the ball out - outside of course. Another thing, put some kroil on the breech plug threads and let it sit over night. That might loosen up the threads enough to break the plug loose.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1002212449/cva-black-powder-bullet-puller-50-caliber

 

[lash]

It sounds like this will be a perfect wall hanger in someone's cabin our country home or den.

The methods mentioned to get the ball and the breech plug out are viable methods that might work, but if you have no money into it and it's of no sentimental value, pass it on to a friend or relative who would like a wall hanger.

 

[FatBoy]

If it's an inline muzzle loader, spray down the plug with some PB Blaster or Kroil (inside and out) and let it soak overnight. Then put a set of channel locks on the breach plug and put some ass into it. It'll unscrew.

Best way to dispose of it? Give it to someone who wants to work the plug loose and keep using it. If they fuck it up its their problem.

 

[varifleman]

There is a device out there that uses a co2 cartridge and adapter that fits to the nipple and you just blow it out

 

[Lockhart]

Use a bullet puller to get the ball or projectile out - see link. Takes some time to get it to auger in to the projectile but I hear they do work.

You might also try putting a few grains of powder back in through the flash hole, reinstall the nipple and just shoot the ball out - outside of course. Another thing, put some kroil on the breech plug threads and let it sit over night. That might loosen up the threads enough to break the plug loose.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1002212449/cva-black-powder-bullet-puller-50-caliber

Thanks for the info on the puller. I will for sure try that. I have tried things similar to kroil and let them sit but maybe that's the ticket.

Not really looking to fire it off as I can't see the extent of the corrosion and wanna go better safe than sorry on that one. Even with small amounts of powder explosions aren't that appealing to me thanks for the info!

 

[Lockhart]

There is a device out there that uses a co2 cartridge and adapter that fits to the nipple and you just blow it out

Do you happen to know the manufacturer or round about name for this product so I can try to look it up?

 

[Lockhart]

I found the co2 discharger. Maybe I can scoop this up clear the projectile and then hit both sides with kroil and get the plug out as well.

Thanks for your help guys. You're awesome!

For reference:
http://www.cabelas.com/ensemble/Sho...04218380/Cabelas-CO2-Load-Discharger/4225.uts

 

[Hookturnr]

If you have an air compressor and an air nozzle, you can just hit the nipple with the air nozzle and I've had that work in the past...also done the same with a flintlock touchhole and a trapped cleaning jag...as for getting the breechplug loose kroil will be your friend.

Get the ball out of it, then plug the nipple port and pour a bit of kroil down the barrel, let it sit for a few days upright so the kroil has time to work in and go from there.