How do you unload a muzzleloader?

[HoofsandWings]

From a comment I just read, I thought to ask how do you unload your muzzleloader?
Do you have to disassemble? Or use some tool to remove the sabot? Or what? How long does it take?

Thanks

[robodad]

Unscrew the breech plug and push it out with the ram rod, or put a cap on the nipple and fire away !!

I perfer to fire it out cause I have to clean it anyhow and it gives me just that much more practice !!

[HawkenBob]

On my hawken either fire it or use the screw tip, screwed onto the ram rod to pull the sabot. Once the lead is out use the tip to remove the plastic sabot also.

[buck470]

Cap it, let'er rip.

My neighbors allways loved me!

[whacker1]

Robodad is right

But to add - if loaded incorrectly and you are shooting traditional - no powder to fire or double loaded.  You need a bullett retriever or a gun smith.   You can pull the breach plug if you disassemble the barrell from the action and stock, but mine required a gunsmith to do this.  I did not have the tools to get it done.

[robodad]

I also might add they make a CO2 unloader as well, I have never used one but thats another option to the others !!

[Cascade_Sherpa]

I also might add they make a CO2 unloader as well, I have never used one but thats another option to the others !!

Second on this post.  We hunt in an area that has a cluster of camps in the valley.  The CO2 unloader is great cause its quiet, you don't waste a cap, you can retrieve the slug, and the powder is the only thing that goes to waste.

[rasbo]

shoot it out love to shoot

[jdb]

shoot it out love to shoot

[bearpaw]

just sucks when you forget the powder......LOL

[whacker1]

just sucks when you forget the powder......LOL

All i hear is the cap - powder must be wet - weird......   How come there is a bunch of powder on the ground?   

[robodad]

just sucks when you forget the powder......LOL

In that case unscrew the breech plug and push the bullet out the other way, in case of a hammer lock, take out the nipple and pack a few grains of powder in the hole and put the nipple back in there and cap it and fire, Blows the bullet out and you could likely find it with no damage as it will be exiting quite slowly !!!

[bowhunterforever]

shoot it out love to shoot

  Me too

[Dansk]

x 2 on the CO2 discharger.  Great for the range too.  Taking apart the breach is a messy PITA even on simple rifles like my TC. With the cost of sabot projectiles, it's nice to be able to reuse them.  I use the CO2 to discharge in a coffe can filled with towels to save the bullet.

[robb92]

Just put in a 209 and fire away.