First of all there are no stupid questions. I always pull the charge since I usually hunt and stay out until it's dark. I don't want to be the guy who fires in the dark. As far as leaving the charge in the barrel I would not recommend it at all since blackpowder is so corrosive in any barrel, the barrel starts to rust and breakdown. If you leave it loaded (without the primer of course) the powder also begins to break down and there's also a chance that moisture will collect in the powder. Most powders are hydroscopic, which means they draw moisture. Everyone knows that moisture in a ML is very bad. I still bowhunt like mad but will never fire a shotgun/slug combo. I have a 50 cal ML and a 12 guage Blackpowder Turkey gun. Check out this gun http://www.modernmuzzleloader.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=1492