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  1. #16
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Mackay North Qld
    Posts
    6,446

    Default

    The fact that neither Co2 removers and grease extraction methods are not on the dedicated Australian muzzle loading suppliers would indicate they are not in widespread use.
    I have shot a lot of matches in a lot of places and am yet to see one. Maybe they are there in the southern states but none here in the north.

    What I sought to do was make a simple tool that avoids the problems of other methods.

    Mention was made of stripping the ball and that has been overcome by better hardware and technique

    I have one being tested by some friends and currently waiting for feedback. When i have positive results from a range of different people I will post them.

    Thanks for your replies

    Grahame

  2. #17
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Mackay North Qld
    Posts
    6,446

    Default

    UPdate 2021

    Finally!
    I removed digit from rear end and got to building and finishing a stuck ball extractor tool. The 200 kg gorilla not needed.

    It consists of :

    • An 8mm rod some 350mm longer than barrel with a crank at one end and thread connection the other
    • A cast weight that slides on the 8mm rod-52mm in diameter and 60mm long -used a small pasta sauce can as mould.
    • A screw to penetrate the round ball after the ball is drilled
    • A drill bit Small as the the screw minor diameter .
    • A spacer to center the drill and the screw in the center of the ball


    When a stuck ball occurs remove nipple and flood the cavity with oil or water. To anyone who challenges the step to this point I will simply refer you to the Pedersoli instructions to remove a stuck ball.

    Rod with drill and centering attached is fed down the barrel and handle cranked to drill ball.

    Rod is removed and fitted with screw puller and sliding lead weight at crank end and rod is then cranked clockwise to thread through the stuck ball.

    Also copiously oil the muzzle side of the ball to aid the sliding function.

    A gentle slide and bump action removes the ball easily. It took easy 3 bumps to get the dry balled .54 cal ball sliding.
    Disclaimer Please USE your own common sense and safe practice -no responsibility accepted. This way is very similar to the Pedersoli instructions for ball removal.

    Note that this will not be allowed on SSAA controlled ranges as it contravenes the stuck round rules. I had to take my loaded muzzleloader OFF RANGE to free the ball.
    At the same time Pedersoli (see their instructions on this ) has no problems using this system ( connected via a normal range rod) given that the powder is soaked and made ineffective by water and oil.

    I hope it may be useful to someone.1063.jpg1064.jpg
    Last edited by Grahame Collins; 18th Dec 2022 at 08:41 PM. Reason: A reword for better clarity.

  3. #18
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Mackay North Qld
    Posts
    6,446

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Hornetb View Post
    I've seen the grease method and it works, it was used on a ball that was so boogered up from multiple attempts at screwing something into the ball that there was very little to tap into properly. So another thumbs up for that.

    Messy, but if you've got your balls stuck.

    More update April 2022
    I looked at making a grease gun system but you are correct -too messy.

    The reason why the ball gets boogered is that the person removing the ball has not drilled the ball to take the screw which in turn is relative to the drill diameter in size.

    Also it is important that the drill and the screw are centered reasonably other wise the rod deflects and the skews off to the side.

    This is where it is different from other ball puller screw systems.

    The Ball is drilled first-(on center) and then the screw- (a roof screw) - is tapped into the drilled - on center hole. Because the cranked handle unscrews-the slide hammer-can be then fitted after the hole drilling- it makes life a bit easier.

    The slide hammer- lead cast into a small pasta tomato paste can is just the right weight to gently dislodge the ball. There plentiful oil on both sides of the ball and all it takes is a slight tap- a- tap to dislodge the ball

    On average it is about 2 minutes work to free a ball. Having used it several times now all I can say the only disadvantage is the length of of pull rod which makes it a pain in the bum to case.
    I am not keen on cutting it and threading it.
    Maybe I might make a smaller diameter puller- but longer to better fit the carry case which will be need to be made.

    Grahame

  4. #19
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    gold coast
    Posts
    303

    Default

    An excellent piece of kit, Graham

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