I have an in-line muzzleloader. When on a multiday hunt I have been removing the 209 primer and leaving the load in the barrel at night to use the next day. Ive never had a problem with them the next morning but am curious if it affects the performance of the load.
2007-12-10 16:36:43 · 11 answers · asked by endo 5 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
I've left them loaded literally for years at a time and never had the slightest problem with misfiring. Like you said, you never have, either.
Unlike the current crop of "experts" who insist on cleaning every night and swabbing every six shots yada yada yada, I load mine, shoot it, and reload it as often as I feel like and then stick it on the rack on the wall until I feel like using that particular weapon again.
I've gotten weapons off the wall and shot them with loads that I honestly can't recall how long it was since I loaded it....and never had a single misfire or a problem with fouling.
2007-12-11 11:04:47 · answer #1 · answered by randkl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, I always prefire my black powder rifle before starting the hunt, that is recommended by manufacturers to "season" the barrel. I usually stop enroute to the hunting spot and fire the weapon. Once there, I leave the firearm just like you do, simply removing the primer. BUT, I also use a "muzzle cap" that keeps the rain/snow etc out of the barrel. These can be removed by hand just before I shoot, or can be left on and "shot off" with no harm to the rifle. Without those, I'd unload the firearm every evening and load it fresh in the morning if I was in damp or high humidity conditions. I had a customer bring a rifle to me that belonged to his dad. His father had passed away almost 20 years ago. The rifle had been hanging on the wall of the den for at least that long, if not longer. He brought it to me to see if it was safe to fire. I discovered that the firearm was still loaded. I pulled the ball from the barrel, dumped the powder onto a tray amd touched it with a match. The powder ignited, burning hot and quick. So, I guess, it probably would have fired. Not that I would have without a thourough inspection and cleaning, but I thought it interesting that the powder was still in good shape after all that time loaded in an old rifle.
2007-12-11 05:21:11 · answer #2 · answered by randy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope.
I have a Thompson Center "Black Diamond" and like you, I just remove the primer. I have left it loaded for upto a week and then fired it and noticed no adverse effects.
One thing to be careful of when removing just the primer. In my state (wisconsin), a muzzleloader is still considered unloaded if it has a powder charge and bullet in the barrel but NO primer (flint locks are a whole different story). If you live in another state, it may or may not be ok to transport a muzzlelaoder with a powder charge.
2007-12-10 18:51:19 · answer #3 · answered by Matt M 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do not "unload" my muzzleloader. Funny thing today I shot my buddies to prepare it for our opener friday. It had been loaded for over 1 year, no primer ofcourse, the powder ignited finme and the shot was right on target. Never take it from cold to warm, form condesate inside the barrel. I leave mine in a sfe place in my garage all season.
2007-12-10 18:47:21 · answer #4 · answered by ? 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well after a day of hunting, hopefully it should already be unloaded. But if the luck doesnt go your way, with the cost of sabots these day i just avoid temperature changes. I leave my gun locked in my garage. Once i the load gets cold from being outside i just keep it outside as long as i can, Ive never had a problem.
2007-12-11 18:12:10 · answer #5 · answered by brian 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I do this and I don't believe it affects the performance, IF the load was placed in a clean rifle to start with, not one that had been shot, then reloaded without cleaning.
2007-12-10 16:44:21 · answer #6 · answered by john r 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
i just take out the primer. if u r woried about it then u should purchase a silent c02 load discharger for about $20
2007-12-11 19:27:28 · answer #7 · answered by Charles G. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the powder does not get damp from temperature or humidity changes it will be okay. But first you have to be willing to risk your hunting trip on your decision.
2007-12-11 05:32:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Will not the humidity of the night effect the ability of the powder to ignite fully??????? Or is that an old wives tale????
2007-12-10 18:15:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi there
yes i unload and clean every day ,it is not like useing my 270 and maybe loading the same round everyday till i get a shot at a deer or moose, at least with my in line i get to shoot it at least once every day, and if i have been out in the rain or snow i don't like to take the chance of leaveing it with a load overnight.but thats just my way.
2007-12-10 23:31:56 · answer #10 · answered by burnie_1_2000 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋