Quote GROUSE: I have never stuck a primer in a ML without the barrel pointed to the ground.
Quote SJAdvertures: if you have the muzzle in a safe position how can a ramrod stay inside of a barrel while placing a primer even with sidelocks?
I've been mulling this over and realize I do it several ways.
When shooting from the bench with sidelocks I put the cap on the nipple after I lay the gun in the rest and am sitting at the bench. But with my two inlines, a break open Mustang and falling block Omega, I put the 209 in the breech while standing and before I lay the gun on the rest and the bore is pointed at the ground as I open and close the action. With those actions it just seems easier that way. But when I was playing with the bolt action Remington 700ML I primed with the gun on the rest just like with the sidelocks.
When walking the woods I prime the Mustang and Omega in the same fashion as at the bench. But I hold sidelocks at Port Arms to put the cap on the nipple, or with the muzzle pointed slightly downward to prime a flintlock pan.