Quote Originally Posted by series2a View Post
Try putting a pin made from stiff wire in the vent hole.shape it into a "p" .
You will get better results with Swiss powder.
Kranks and homemade powders are full of impurities and will burn inconsistently.
Use lead Instead of leather as the flint chatters down the face when leather is used.
I used to get 50 ignition's before changing flints.Also I used Swiss 2 in the pan,No need for expensive fine powders.
ALSO try using small loads. Believe it or not my friend uses 25 grain in his. Reason being you have to match the twist rate to the powder.too much powder will make the ball act as a Smoothbore and not catch the rifling.Start low and keep adding till your group gets smaller.
I think the jury is out about using leather or lead for the flint.
Personnaly I prefer leather, it works if it is tight. I found that the flint slipped when using lead. Each to his own.

I use a thick hatpin for clearing the vent hole. You can also use tungsten wire that is inside some washing lines.