rainy day hunting

[btkilla]

so i just got a lyman plains rifle .50 cal flintlock. and next season im gonna go hunt the elusive blacktailed deer.problem is it will most likely be pouring down rain here in washington,so im not sure how dependable my flintlock will be.Im new to blackpowder and i would like to learn some tricks on how to keep my powder dry. i think i might start crying if i pull the trigger on a big buck and get a click instead of a boom.

 

[Chawbaccer]

Just a little bit of vaseline on the pan edge will seal it, be carefull not to grease the fizzin. Add a little tin foil tent over the lock and you should be ready to shoot.

 

[stevelyn]

Cows knees. They are a piece leather shaped to fit over the lock and trigger following the bend of the stock wrist. Dixie Gun Works and other black powder specialty shops sell them. You can also get oiled canvas covers that are a little lighter and easier to handle.

If you are going to seal the pan edge you should use patch lube or Crisco. Black powder residue and petroleum products don't mix well.

 

[Cap n Ball]

Cows kness work great. I've used vaseline and other sealants but the best success I've had in keeping moisture out of the pan is with a very light application of softened beeswax around the rim. It seals good, doesn't tend to creep onto the frizzen and has no negative effect on ignition.