I unload my inlines that way quite often. I believe the dampening the powder charge is a precaution when pulling a projectile from a sidelock. I've pulled quite a few by using a screw attachment to thread into the ball, then tying a rawhide lace to the ramrod and securing the other end toa tree, thenpulling the rifle away from it. That way if it did go off the gun would be pointing away from me. I'm still here and have all my body parts, so it must not be too common for a charge to go off.