Muzzleloader & Rain

[mpester]

I am hunting the early antlerless season this weekend with my new muzzleloader and it looks like it may rain. I think I read one time that you can put a small piece of tape over the muzzle to keep the rain out and the powder dry. I think I remember that you can leave it on when you shoot. Does anyone do this or have any other advice for me to hunt in the rain with my new muzzleloader. Thanks.

[JBar]

yes you can tape the end of the muzzle it is commonly used to keep out sand, mud, moisture, you can also take bore butter and plug the end of the muzzle just do not let it harden. I have not found and adverse affects to accuracy by doing this.

[JBar]

one thing take special caution you have live power and a projectile in the barrel but just a thought good luck!!

[mpester]

Thanks for the answer. I am new to using a muzzleloader and I had a second thought. Since the season is only two day, I was going to just take out the primer if I did not get a shot on Saturday and leave the charge and bullet in the gun. If it rains on Saturday, I am thinking it would probably be a good idea to fire off the round after I am done on Saturday and reload on Sunday to make sure I have a dry charge on Sunday. Or would I probably be OK to leave the charge and round in the gun for the two days even if it rains. Another question - the DNR considers the muzzleloader unloaded if the primer is removed - right? Thanks again.

[Froggy4371]

First Part Answer is if it rains it probally is a good idea to shoot it or just removed the load by hand.

Second part is yes it is considered unloaded it the primer/cap are out of it.

Froggy

[Archerysniper]

I use electrical tape over the muzzle and put a little breech plug grease on the block that closes behind the primer to keep the rain out.

[lakevet]

We never put anything over muzzle. Not needed, just another "tip" that fills magazines. The guys who beat the British to start this country didn't cover the end of their barrels. Your projectile should seal the powder against moisture. Just keep muzzle down most of the time. Fresh powder each day if things have been soggy is a good idea if you have to remove cap. If walking to hunt spot, can leave cap on, but could have safety issue (kid gets ahold of gun). Enjoy muzzy hunting and don't make it too complicated.

lakevet