If it's a dry day you can probably leave the gun loaded until the next day. Since you are new, it might be a good idea to shoot out your load and clean you rifle at the end of the day. Start the day with a fresh load. I clean locks with soap, water, and an old toothbrush. Dry it, spray with WD-40 and wipe off excess. Find some books on muzzzleloaders. Look at the NMLRA site.