The bit about an ember in the bore when you put in the fresh charge is why you blow through the bore to see if there is any smoke indicating a live ember.
Remember the old western thing where he blew into the end of his barrel after a shot?
That has it's basis in fact.

Stan in SC

The more I listen,the more I hear....and vice versa.

45/70,it's almost a religion.

If you have to take a second shot then you probably shouldn't have taken the first shot.