I bought a 1998 cva hunterbolt 54 cal. inline. It uses musket caps. I went hunting yesterday, it was pouring rain, I made sure the capand the nipplearea stayed as dry as possible.The cap fits snug over the nipple. How much do I have to worry about this getting wet and not lighting the charge?

I would not leave the cap exposed to the elements anymore then I had to, but you will find that the hunterbolt is pretty weather resistant. Take a piece of handi wrap and put that over the breech to shed any rain or snow that might fall there. You can fire with that handi wrap in place. Actually you would probably be fine without the handi wrap. It is just another little extra. When you're on stand just lay your coat sleeve over that area. All you are trying to do is keep direct water out of there. But hunterbolts are a good rifle. You should be fine.

When i used my x150 in wet weather, i would just keep either my hand over the opening or a stocking hat over the bolt area. A musket cap is a pretty snug fit, had one on my cva blazer and only had one misfire with a musket cap. Good reliable cap.

Thanks. I'm muzzleloader hunting for the first time this year and I just wanted to make sure. I have this gun hanging barrel side down right now in the barn, the cap is removed. This is correct right? So there will not be any condensation.

Well, you left the nipple exposed, so any moisture that does end up, is going right into the nipple hole and right into your powder. I wouldnt leave muzzleloaders outside, I prefer to take them inside after a day of hunting.

Sounds good. But remember, if you have any doubt as to the integrity of the load in the rifle, either push it out and load fresh, shoot it out and check your accuracy then load fresh, or take the chance when the big monster walks by, and hope you don't hear a little "pop."

I've have these for my open action ML's. Works like a champ.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=56861

Also don't forget to detail clean the rifle - in particular the action.

I would do that at the end of a rain day's hunt if possible so to not allow excessive moisture to work it's magic.



Tahquamenon