Sounds like you need to specify between leaveing a charge in the breech (barrel) and having both a charge and a cap on...or if a flintlock a charge in the pan and a charge in the barrel.... both are LOADED weapons only to be that way when ready to SIT and hunt . But I think your refering to leaving a charge in the barrel in that regards.... powder and bullets will leave less a dent in the wallet as it will the time energy and embarassment and the big one gettin away.......so I would recharge it everytime you have a drastic temp. change or if you go a week or so. Some people after a week may forget it has a charge and do the unthinkable double charge it. (To stop double charges put a mark on the ramrod with white finger nail polish while the rod sits on top of a charge and bullet in the breech this also tells you everything has seated well and won't cause an abstructed barrel situation!) Hope this helps!!!!!! Just a lil help 4 ya feel free to correct me guys if needed