picture of vented precussion rifle.

[johnson1942]

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_2471550739a178a981.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=6969)

here is the picture i promised of a vented precussion muzzleloader. the hole is 1/32 diam. and in back of the cumbustion chamber. faster ignition and cleaner cumbustion chamber and more intact primers is what i experienced. johnson1942

[longbow]

I have never seen that before.

I wonder how long it takes that vent to enlarge and become a problem? Erosion must occur over time.

From some of the other responses when you first posted about this I have to guess it wasn't that uncommon but I certainly have never seen it before.

The learning never stops!

Longbow

[tomme boy]

Is that a 209 primer conversion?

[newton]

That is interesting. From the sound of it I thought it would be closer to the breech.

[johnson1942]

if in many years to come in largeing becomes a problem just clean it out, tap it and put in a screw. yes it is a petersoli 209 conversion nipple, they make it in 1/4 -28 only and it is a well made product. its closer to the breech than you think, no more than a 1/4 inch away i believe. this gun is a real big game shooter. i shoot a 700 grain paperpatched bullet in front of 120 grains of 2f. the twist is 1-23. if i get to go to colorado to hunt elk in the future this will be the gun i take. 2 days ago i put a 1/32nd hole one a new one i just finished, .50 cal 1-28 twist and a 36 inch barrel. i had been shooting it some before the hole but after the hole was installed i was very pleased to find that it was much much cleaner between shots. i would still like that question answered. thanks for the responses, johnson1942

[waksupi]

I can not see any use for it, and would never do it to a rifle. A solution to a non-existant problem.

[OverMax]

I was think'in a air release for / when compressing a tightly sealed projectile up against its powder charge. Because as seen. You have one of those Mag-Spark nipple adapters mounted.

[Your Mag Spark adapter probably close's off the barrels Firing Channels ability to release compressed air from its breech in such instances.] Just my opinion is all.

[starmac]

The TC scout rifles had some vents (larger ones). It had something to do with the much different nipple system.

[johnson1942]

again i first saw this on a real 1840 rifle and wondered why? i then read about it in a very old gun book. dixie had something about it to. im not trying to pomote any thing. put it on some of mine and liked the results. as this is a shareing site i just shared. also i alway like to know reasons why thing are and the man who built the rifle i examined in the 1840s had a reason and so did the mention in the book and so did dixie. so i just was trying to find out all the reasons, so if any one knows the reasons let us know? thanks

[missionary5155]

Good afternoon
The vent must have not been widely accepted or known about as Ned Roberts never mentioned it in his fine little book on percussion rifles.
This is an intreaging concept. Mike in ILL

[varsity07840]

Platinum vent on my Westley Richards 16 bore stalking rifle. Late 1830s.

[johnson1942]

thanks for the picture it is a upscale well made rifle and the crafts man who built it put that vent their for a reason.again thanks

[Plastikosmd]

My opinion, I cannot see how this would make a measureable difference in ignition/fouling etc anecdotes aside. It would be worth studying. I do see a benefit in loading esp in a compacted powder load and a tight ball/patch combo. The vent may allow some air to escape

[Janoosh]

Dixie Catalog showed venting a drum, Not the barrel, which I find most interesting. They explained that the spark from the primer cap compressed the air in front of it and venting did away with this compression, Allowing for a better ignition. I've never seen it done, although I have seen muzzle loading rifles with ignition problems and they have all had a drum. I use a #11 magnum cap, and have no problems.

[Chicken Thief]

Yeah:
And some cars had the throttle in the middle
Some countries drive on the left
Then a very few countries stil uses the imperial measuring system

If it worked then we all be using it?