season over , now what?

[splitshot]

  the season is over and I forgot to shoot my muzzy to clear it to clean it.   can I leave it charged or should I shoot it, then give it a good cleaning?   mike w

[elkboy]

Or remove the breech plug, remove the charge, and push the bullet out.  Then you can give it a "deep clean" for winter storage, including the breech plug threads, nipple, interior of the breech plug, etc.  Powder and powder residues can be corrosive to your bore.  Maybe Sabotloader or someone else with more expertise can also weigh in. 

If I am storing my muzzy for a long time, I also like to apply a tiny amount of a gun oil (or 3-in-1) to a patch, and lightly oil the bore as well to prevent any possible oxidation. 

[James E]

Do not leave the charge in. As elk boy stated, remove the breech plug and push the load out. Give it a good cleaning and you will be fine.

[splitshot]

  would it be ok if I just shot it?  I know that might be silly but I don't know much about muzzies.  thanks.   mike w

[CAMPMEAT]

  would it be ok if I just shot it?  I know that might be silly but I don't know much about muzzies.  thanks.   mike w

Yes, you can just shoot it. I don't know about your muzzy if it has a removable breech plug or not. If it DOESN'T, DON'T TAKE IT OUT. If you choose to fire it and it doesn't, point the muzzy away from you and downrange. Take out the nipple, clean out the hole and put a tiny, tiny bit of powder in the hole, reinstall the nipple and put a cap on it. Fire the muzzy and it should fine. That's what I do and It works every time. Then clean it.

[James E]

Yes u can shoot it. It will be easier to clean if u remove the breech plug and push the load out with the ram rod. Use an extension if u have 1.