A couple times I have wanted to unload my bp gun without firing it. I have just unscrewed the breech plug and pushed the powder and the projectile out the breech end. I never really thought twice about it.
Since then I have seen some posts ( I think it may have been on another forum) where it has been advised to wet the powder before doing this. Is there a risk that a spark could cause ignition when unscrewing the breech plug?
Opinions welcome,
Art

highly unlike to have that happen. Takes A LOT of flame to set triple 7 off. Pyrodex takes quite a bit of flame to set it off also. Old wives tale of static setting off real blackpowder. Ive tried setting off blackpowder with those electric things that come on your BBQ burner and it didnt do chit. It takes a HOT spark to set it off.

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.

I've unloaded inlines and traditional rifles without killing the charge. BUT THAT IS A DECISION I MAKE TO DO. If you want to be safe, according to the manufacturer, you should kill the powder charge. Still I would not get too concerned about removing the breech plug, dumping the powder then pushing the pushing the projectile out.

I've done that a lot without a problem loose 777, 777 pellets and Pyrodex Pellets. When I did it with pellets I shot the pellets again. With loose I just throw it away, but I never put water in it, heck you would have to clean the gun again, and that is the reason I didn't want to shoot it. If it takes a high powered 209 to get ignition, I don't believe there will be an issue, however with BP, because it is a easier igniting powder, then it would be safe to be cautious. BP Sub shouldn't be a problem. Chap Gleason

A wooden dowel works real good for pushing powder and such out of the barrel if you can not get brass as there is no spark produced by it...

Even thought it probably doesn't matter I might start wetting the powder anyway. I always end up cleaning the barrel anyway because of the slight fowling from a couple primers and the powder stuck to the breech plug grease and makes kind of a mess anyway.
Art

"Just because you're paranoid it doesn't mean everyone is not out to get you"

I work with explosives and propellants and I would not do that. Some things just arent worth the risk.