Keeping A Modern BP Rifle Loaded

[MatrixReality]

I have two CVA Wolf .50 rifles that I enjoy. These have the break open action with the #209 removable breech plug. I only shoot 777 pellets and sabot bullets. Question: If I have a clean, dry bore, can I leave this rifle loaded with bullet, powder and primer with no harm to components or the bore? If so, how long have stored your ML loaded? Any input would be appreciated

 

[sspierce8]

My understanding is you can leave them loaded for a long long time with no issues. In fact there are a lot of reports about guns loaded since the civil war that fired. And canon balls.

 

[Malachi Leviticus Blue]

sspierce8 is correct for Black Powder, however I have heard 777 doesn't have a great shelf life especially if there is any moisture involved and I've also heard pellets are even worse, but I can't confirm first hand.

I just got around to discharging a rifle I loaded 4 years ago with real Black Powder and hunted out in the elements with for 2 seasons daily.
It went off just fine and was on target.

 

[damoc]

777 seems to do well long term like BP but not Pyrodex.

 

[MatrixReality]

Thanks for all the replies gents!

 

[J-Bar]

Why do you want to?

I have a long standing rule: don’t take a loaded muzzleloader (handgun or long gun) home from the field. I shoot it empty and clean it and store it empty.

I cannot tell what the future holds for me. I could be killed in a car wreck or die from natural causes before tomorrow. I sleep better knowing I have done everything I can to make my guns safe for others to handle in case something happens to me.

Because one day it will.

 

[woodnbow]

I have two CVA Wolf .50 rifles that I enjoy. These have the break open action with the #209 removable breech plug. I only shoot 777 pellets and sabot bullets. Question: If I have a clean, dry bore, can I leave this rifle loaded with bullet, powder and primer with no harm to components or the bore? If so, how long have stored your ML loaded? Any input would be appreciated

I don’t know about 777. But all of the handguns I care for are loaded and they may or may not be fired this year or next but they’ll shoot when they need to. My family know my policies regarding guns. They’re loaded. Always. Until you yourself have unloaded them, they are loaded. No surprises...

 

[alsaqr]

Last evening i killed a hog using my TC Black Diamond rifle that was loaded five months ago.

 

[ThomasT]

I don’t know about 777. But all of the handguns I care for are loaded and they may or may not be fired this year or next but they’ll shoot when they need to. My family know my policies regarding guns. They’re loaded. Always. Until you yourself have unloaded them, they are loaded. No surprises...

My uncle the cop always said "an unloaded gun will get you in trouble". And he practiced what he preached. Every gun in his house was kept loaded.