loading flintlocks

[Doco overboard]

Hard agate flints will quickly erode the hardened face of even modern muzzle-loading replica flintlocks. And may need to be re-hardened after a little use. Determining the difference between an effective shower of sparks and the proper priming charge can sometimes be difficult. I have found that for me, the least amount of priming powder with a sharp flint and a nipple pick withdrawn from the pan after priming gives the quickest ignition. With a tuned lock, ignition can sometimes rival a percussion cap for speed when black powder is used for the main charge. Casual plinking or squirrel hunting will develop technique and a load chain that will pay off. Loading while observing moving targets like game can be stressful and the operation needs to be fluid like muscle memory or you may have stalked the woods a long way for nothing so the mechanics need to be golden from the git. Some become discouraged quickly because good results are hard to get initially. Gage was a good administrator and Indian fighter who served with Washington before becoming commanding officer of the British forces in the revolutionary war so I'm sure he was well versed in musketry but became a flash in the pan and was later recalled to England.