Author Topic: Cleaning question (Read 576 times)

broker · « **on:** December 02, 2003, 04:15:37 AM »

Hi guys, going out for first muzzleloader hunt for whitetails this weekend in Illinois. Pretty excited as first season shotgun was good to me (140" green score gross 10pt.). As am new to muzzleloading, everyone suggested that when i am done hunting at the end of the day, and have not discharged gun, just to remove primer in accordance with local laws, and this constitutes an unloaded weapon. My next question is this, how long can powder pellets be left in barrel without encountering firing problems (from moisture, etc)? What i am getting at is will i need to remove powder and bullet everynight upon returning from the woods, or can i leave powder charge & bullet in barrel for the 4 day season without encountering firing problems due to moisture etc?? Also, any particular kind of soap need to be used for cleaning? thanks alot guys. miles

upnorth · « **Reply #1 on:** December 02, 2003, 04:52:09 AM »

what kind of powder are you using??

broker · « **Reply #2 on:** December 02, 2003, 05:12:18 AM »

triple 7 pellets

StuW · « **Reply #3 on:** December 02, 2003, 07:56:56 AM »

I got lazy last season and didn't discharge my TC Thunderhawk after Michigan's December hunt. I was using loose clean shot with no 11 caps. Kept the gun in the case tucked away in the house for 8 months before I finally got around to cleaning it. Took it to the local range, loaded a cap, and presto....got a big boom and hit the target right where I wanted at 100 yards. I was shocked to say the least. I thought for sure I was in for a dud. The clean shot power I'm using is about 3 seasons old too. I think I got lucky and I don't recommend this storage method! During the muzzle season I don't unload until my last hunt of the season. In Michigan the season is only a week long in my zone.

upnorth · « **Reply #4 on:** December 03, 2003, 04:12:42 AM »

I discharge after 2 days, unless it's snowing or wet in which case every day. I'm not going to chance a deer because I'm too lazy to discharge. All powder is hydroscopic (attracts water) , so it depends on the weather. any solvent you have for centerfire rifles is fine. good luck!