So when I swab the barrel between shots I don't need to remove the breech plug? Will the jag pull the patch back up the barrel?
There is no need to remove a breech plug when you swab the barrel. with a loading jag you just work the patch down the barrel and remove the fowling. It does not hurt to twist the breech plug once in a while, like every seven or ten shots, to make sure it is not seizing up. But you only need to remove the breech plug for the final cleaning at the end of the day.
Since you are familiar with my rifle do you have a reference on the ram rod?
When I am on the range, I use a range ramrod. I leave the ramrod that came with the rifle for the rifle and for hunting. I like a nice long range ramrod. A 32" is the kind I like that is nice and solid. Get one with female ends on both ends of the rod. That way you can put a T handle on the other end for pulling leverage.
Is the standard ram rod that comes with the MH II the proper tip to push bullets with a plastic tip down the barrel?
This is the loading jag for the T/C Shockwave or other long nose spitzer type projectiles... Most on line stores carry them.
Should I switch to bullets without the plastic tip to remove one more problem from the system?
There is no need to change projectiles if they shoot well for you. Just use the correct loading jag so you do not damage the head. I always put one on the long stem of the short starter also, so get two or three. They are easy to misplace.
Another projectile you might want to get and try in that nice rifle of yours is a 250 or 300 grain Barnes Expander. They are a hollow point type but are very well made and do not splatter when they hit game. They do put large holes through the animals and I have read they are even good on elk size game although I never used them on elk...
Good luck with your rifle.