I've done that, but I've also seen it blow the nipple out. Like you I can't personally recommend it.It is a common mistake to forget the powder before loading a patch and ball. When you do, simply take the nipple out and put in a few grains of powder under it. 5 grains or so will clear the barrel. Also a good way to guarantee against a hang-fire when hunting. It would probably work in this instance but since there is an unknown powder charge in the barrel, I won't recommend it.
Imagine the mess after doing that.I've also heard of folks removing the nipple and replacing it with a grease zerk then using a grease gun to "pump" out the load.
I've also heard of folks removing the nipple and replacing it with a grease zerk then using a grease gun to "pump" out the load.
It is key to have a good range rod with a secured handle. (One of my most valued possessions in my BP shooting gear) I rarely use the wooden rod in the thimbles of my rifle, unless I'm hunting.OP: How did you (or rather your buddy) determine that there's a patch at the bottom of the barrel blocking the ignition of the powder/ball load?
(and BTW, what's the powder charge if someone knows?)
FTIW: the pull the nipple/insert 4gr 4Fg/replace nipple/fire would be simplest option if you knew exactly what was ahead of the flash train. . . .
But this also works well
https://www.cabelas.com/ensemble/Shooting/Black-Powder/Black-Powder-Accessories|/pc/104792580/c/104701680/sc/104218380/Cabelas-CO2-Load-Discharger/4225.uts
(especially on on hopeless flint-locks) . . .ask me how I know. . . .
PPS: I've never been able to successfully use a ball-puller on patched-ball. It just jammed the tight ball/patch combo even tighter
I recently had my ram rod with a jag and cleaning patch stuck in the barrel while on the range. I tried everything that I had to remove it on the range. I made sure the rod was all the way down , removed the nipple, put some powder down the nipple hole, installed the nipple and fired a cap. Came out about a foot in front of the table.
I've unstuck projectiles using compressed air; I use a section of flex brake line, I had in my junk pile and a small pipe clamp to attach to the nipple and to my spray nozzle, then crank my compressor to 40 Lbs and try, I've never had to go over 80 Lbs for the bullet to come out, be sure to have a good back stop as they do come out rather briskly.
An accident if I ever heard of one. ( )Friend destroyed a vase his mother-in-law gave his wife.