And here is the kicker - EVERY gun is to be treated as if it is loaded. So primer cap or no primer cap, powder or no powder. It is considered loaded at ALL times with respect to safety.

But truthfully, I consider it safer to leave powder and bullet in with primer cap out than push the load out. And if I fire it, I must clean it (at least to a degree if I am not storing) or it will foul up in a hurry.