Gooday Pahoo and B.L.E
I do believe I saw somewhere recently someone say that "a wad will prevent hangfires."
When it comes to the missfires that I have experienced, I can't always say what went wrong, but I have had ideas and techniques to fix it (which even now are being reviewed), and am refining procedures to minimise problems and outright mistakes.
It has been intersting starting as I did with a second-hand gun, a brush jag and a tin of caps from a shop in Canberra, then visiting another store 300km away in Sydney for powder, lube, measures and balls. I made patches from a verbal description, and was given a minimum and maximum load. I have taken it from there over time.
I am seriously looking for a brand new quality sidelock carbine rifle to continue shooting patched balls - one locally bought and fully accessorised, and then to play with lots of different consumables and gadgets. My idea (with this) is to introduce controls that will allow me to experiment, explore, and find satisfying 'personal techniques.' I even keep notes on load combinations.
Its all very engaging, and very serious as my shooting is predicated by my responsibility to humanely destroy vermin.
Thankyou both.
Cheers. David.