trick for keeping powder/barrel dry?

[biggerhammer]

I just went out for my first ML hunt. it was cold, windy, and rainy- never saw a deer. It was a nice walk in the woods with a few friends and a few muzzleloaders.

When I loaded in the truck at the beginning of the hunt, I put a few pieces of electrical tape over the muzzle, to keep rain and debris from entering. The tape lasted minutes.

Would it be a good idea to push a sabot (without bullet loaded in it!) into the muzzle after I have loaded? That should stay longer, would keep nasty stuff out of the barrel, and would be harmlessly ejected when I fire. I think.

Would that work? Is it a good idea?

Thank you.

[yakfisher]

I use finger cots or plastic wrap with a rubber band around it. I don't know if the sabot would be a good idea. I wouldn't use anything that could even remotely have a chance of building pressure in the barrel!!!

With elect. tape, finger cots and plastic wrap, the hot gas from the muzzle burns these before any pressure can build up. The sabot could somehow get lodged in the barrel and act like it was pluged with mud or something. Could end up being a really bad day for you!!!

[cayugad]

No the sabot is not a good idea. You want nothing in the barrel. Over the end of the barrel is a different story. Finger cots (get the extra large), handi wrap and a rubber band, electrical tape and a rubber band, condoms, even a plastic sandwich baggie and a rubber band will work. As long as you can see your sights or through your scope and it is tight against the muzzle. When you shoot it will be blown off or through.

[frontier gander]

Do they even make condoms that small to fit lol? I wouldnt use a condom, thats just plain nasty and smelly. I'd use a balloon that fits snug over the barrel. If its raining or snowing, why would the barrel be pointed up in the first place? I hunted this season in light rain with my flintlock and didnt bother with covering the muzzle. I always carry it with the barrel pointed down. I'd pay more attention to the breech where your cap is. No reason to carry the rifle with the barrel up while in rain or snow.

[pipecrew]

Electrical tape works well. I know a guy that uses cheap kids ballons (small ones). He swears by it and uses them when storing his guns in the cabinet or safe also.

Mike

[Matt/TN]

i honestly have never had a problem with my muzzleloader firing in the rain

[lemoyne]

Greased patches and RB seal quite well if they are as tight as they should be not so sure about sabot since they spread out to seal when the powder is set off;I use small ballons on the sabot gunskeep a few in my loading pouch. Lee

[skeeter 7MM]

I use electrical tape on ml and cf's, never had a problem with it coming loose. On a ML I put two piece over the muzzle so I have an overlap on the edges of the barrel then a wrap around the barrel and these overlaps. I have hunted as cold as -30 celsuis and never had a problem. Though when extremely cold I wrap my barrel prior to subjecting it to the extreme cold, so at room temeprature or close too.

Like mentioned, balloon or finger cots also work. PLEASE DON'T PUT ANYTHING IN THE MUZZLE[]!

[cascadedad]

ORIGINAL: frontier gander

I'd use a balloon that fits snug over the barrel. If its raining or snowing, why would the barrel be pointed up in the first place? I hunted this season in light rain with my flintlock and didnt bother with covering the muzzle. I always carry it with the barrel pointed down. I'd pay more attention to the breech where your cap is. No reason to carry the rifle with the barrel up while in rain or snow.

I disagree. For me, the safest place to point the barrel is up. Have you taken a hunter's safety course?

No PM sent your way!

[alsaqr]

Yes, they make special condon like things for muzzleloaders. I picked some in a gun shop in Elkins, WV a few years ago. They work great.