I used to fire it off after each day, but this year had the opportunity to have an extended hunt for 4 days. I was using loose powder, kept gun loaded with powder and bullet and just removed the primer at days end. Fired it on the last day and right as rain where I was aiming. Once thing to remember is if you are hunting where it is cold and come inside to a hot room ( the old guys I hunt with have a blazing fire hot as hell itself) the gun will sweat it happened to me and all I do is unprime the gun first then wipe the outside and then run a patch down until it hits the bullet and it makes sure it is dry inside, then wait a while before placing back into a gun case. All was fine and no issues with rust. I used to fire it off with pellets and I used to push them out as well. I use loose and just keep it loaded until I need to shoot, if I remember to prime it. Went click a few times with deer in front of me, luck was with me as they watched me prime and shoot, amazing.