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.

G3 Long Channel

Patriot fixed length 209 breech plug This plug comes standard in .45 caliber G3 Patriot muzzleloaders. Specifically designed for easy finger removal of fired 209 primers which comes at the expense of ignition performance. Can be used with black powder, substitutes and smokeless. Channel must kept clean of excessive carbon buildup to avoid ignition delays or failures. Made of 416 stainless steel with a .036 flash hole and 5/32 flash channel.

LIST# WA04005

Medium Channel

Patriot fixed length 209 breech plug. This plug has a .028 flash hole diameter and should be used if using VV N120 due to the small grain size. Can be used with black powder, substitutes and other smokeless powders. It is normal that pliers or a tool may be required to remove fired primers. Offers better ignition performance over the high pressure fixed 209 plug.

LIST# WA04004

Short Channel

Patriot fixed length 209 breech plug. This plug comes standard in .50 caliber G3 Patriot muzzleloaders. Can be used with black powder, substitutes and smokeless. When used in a .45 caliber, it is normal that pliers or a tool may be required to remove fired primers. This plug offers excellent ignition performance.


LIST# WA04003

G3 LR Module

Patriot Fixed length LR module breech plug. This plug uses the .472 LR modules which are precision machined brass carriers. Large rifle primers are pressed into the module and can be removed after firing. The modules can be re-used many times. Once fired, the module is easily removable and does not stick like 209 primers.

Powder sits inside the plug in front of a rear carbide bushing which offers excellent ignition with any powder. Used as the standard plug in .40 calibers. Provides an excellent gas seal which provides the most consistent velocities making this the best option for G3 Patriot muzzleloaders. We also use this plug in bolt action rifles because of its superior performance and pressure handling capabilities.

LIST# WA04006