I feel better about my plan. One question on the tape for the end of the barrel. Do you just use scotch tape a fire right through it?

There was a guy came up to our cabin last year with his T/C Hawken percussion. He said he had left the charge in since last year and it went off and hit where it was supposed to. This is extreme and I definately wouldn't recommend it.

I use finger cots from the drug store most of the time.
Cheap and for the most part effictive.

I also got some of those ultimate bore protectors and they are much thicker and tougher than the finger cots.

http://www.ultimateboreprotection.com/

I use some good Masking Tape and cut the tape in circles, larger than the end of the barrel. I first take a pice of the tape and put it on and off the end of the barrel a few times to get any oil off the end of the barrel to insure a good tight fit. Then I use the pice I have cut in a circle for it. It will stay on through rain and snow. Yes shoot right through it with no problems, it wont affect accuracy.
My wife is also a Nurse and she brings me (finger cots) as mentioned above, I have yet to try these but other members use them regulary with the same results, Im sure there as good. But I like the look of the tape better.
(BP)

I shoot and clean my gun at the end of the hunt, daily. No need taking any chances. If anything changes with the load, I could miss that 200+ yard shot. Not uncommon on open-country muleys.

I have left mine in for a month of hunting in Iowa snow weather and no problems. Just cover the barrel with a couple layers of saran wrap and rubbler bands or use the ones they sell. Never had a problem yet in 10 years or more. That is with a modern muzzle loader not the older style.