off the military history list
 
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X-From: [log in to unmask] (paul d carrier)
Sender: [log in to unmask] (Military History)
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To: [log in to unmask] (Multiple recipients of list MILHST-L)
 
with a flintlock the problem isn't with the powder in the chamber, its the
priming charge in the pan. this powder is very exposed and would absorb
moisture fast.
this problem is what soured on the development of the caplock,
where a percussion cap is struck to spark the chamber charge.