Do you guys bring your gun in and out of the house each time, or do you keep it stored somewhere like the garage, where the temp is closer to the outdoors? My theory being that if it is kept in the garage there is less of a chance of moisture issues, since I leave the charge and the bullet in the gun. Am I over thinking this? Pete
I don't think your over thinking it at all !! I also try and keep the temperature swings to a minimum. Keeping it in a good closed case helps control the duration of heating and cooling cycles.
I brought my muzzle loader in and out all season long, loaded, for many years and never had a problem. The low temps here are generally in the 20's to 40's, with an occasional drop into the teens and it's very rainy/humid.
Don't bring it in when it's cold. The condensation can cause hang a fire or failure to fire. It is a bigger issue with traditional BP rifles but not worth risking with either.
I may be over-reacting but when I was hunting with mine, I would put cling wrap from the kitchen on the barrel and secure it with a rubber band, that would seal the muzzle, the breach I would smear a little Vaseline on over the cap. Never saw a difference in point of impact, and never had a deer complain of the rifle being ugly with the cling wrap. Only misfires I ever had was due to caps that got funky (outside of the gun, likely when I moved)
I bring mine inside. Never had a problem. I use pyrodex and a 209 primer for ignition, don't know if that makes a significant difference. I understand the concern about temperature differences causing condensation...but the only moisture present (able to condensate) is whatever amount was present in the atmosphere at the time you loaded the weapon. So.... was the relative humidity and the AMOUNT of air trapped behind the bullet really enough to cause a misfire or partial burn? My guess is...no. Some less than 'scientific' testing seems to cast doubt on that concern as well. https://www.fieldandstream.com/arti...-old-muzzleloader-rules-to-the-ultimate-test/ But in the end...do whatever you feel is best. Personally, I've never had an issue. On the other hand....for my EDC pistol I only load it with ammo that has sealed primers and case mouths, so perhaps there is a bit of irony in that.
I leave my BP guns loaded but unprimed overnight. I leave them in the jeep or in the shed outside. I dont like temperature swings... I dont like loaded guns in the house.
I agree with minimizing heat cycles. Mine stays in the back seat of the truck. Granted there are several large theft deterrents that roam around the yard in an already low crime area.
In the barn at the farm. Maybe it matters maybe it doesn't matter for temp swings,but why risk it.Dont have a moisture meter but if I did I would do a scientific test after hunting season.
I always bring mine in. Ive never had an issue with traditional black powder. I don't want anything to happen to it, is stolen. It's a possibility here in the city of binghamton.
My muzzleloaders come inside at night. They stay loaded until fired at game. Never had any problem with misfires.
