G3 Patriot muzzleloader breech plugs

Patriot muzzleloader breech plugs - 2-6-25

We offer multiple options for breech plugs and ignition systems to use in G3 Patriot muzzleloaders, as well as other rifles and builds. Patriot muzzleloaders come with a standard, general purpose plug. This plug is primarily for black powder and substitutes. In smokeless capable rifles, the standard plugs can work but may not be ideal for use with smokeless powders.

209 primers are the most popular means of ignition for in-line muzzleloaders, but not always the most practical. The length and diameter variations of 209 primers make things a bit complicated. In order to make a breech plug that accepts any 209 primer, it must have a pocket depth and diameter slightly over the size of the longest and largest diameter primer. This means some will fit better than others and we have zero control over the fit. For many years 209 primers have been used in .50 calibers and typically spent primers can be removed with fingers. This is because .50 calibers do not create pressures as high as .45 and .40 calibers. The popularity of .45 calibers is rapidly increasing due to high performance powder options, like Blackhorn 209 and many smokeless options. Blackhorn 209 and smokeless powders require a hot flame to achieve reliable ignition. Plug designs with long flame channels can be problematic with Blackhorn 209 and smokeless powders. We purposely designed & manufactured plugs with a short flame channel to offer instant reliable ignition when using higher performance powders. A short flame channel exposes the 209 primer to higher pressures and can cause them to stick requiring pliers or tools to remove them after firing. We have received so many complaints because primers won't pull out easy with fingers in 45 calibers that we redesigned the standard plug for the 45 cal G3 Patriot. With this new design primers come out easily, but it is not optimal to ignite Blackhorn 209 or smokeless powders. It is crucial to keep the flash channel clear of carbon build up or the plug will clog and sufficient flame cannot pass through. Other breech plug & ignition options are available to offer high performance with Blackhorn 209 and smokeless powders.

The pressures generated in 40 calibers are higher than 45 calibers, and 45 calibers are higher than 50 calibers. Higher pressures may cause 209 primers to swell and require a tool for extraction. This is 100% normal and is the nature of the beast. These higher pressures generated in a 45 versus a 50 caliber are one reason why smaller calibers offer higher velocities. The same is true from 40 versus 45 caliber.

Breech plugs or components of breech plugs are consumable wear items and require replacement when the flash hole diameter increases over 10%. Module breech plugs and some adjustable breech plugs feature replaceable tungsten carbide inserts.