Winter Storage

[ML_Hunter]

I use FP-10 oil or Butches Gun Oil in my guns.  Works well for me .  I do attempt to take my rifle out and shoot at least once a month.

[elkboy]

I clean the heck out of my muzzleloader, first with patches and muzzleloader solvent, and then with hot soapy water in the tub.  I remove the breech plug and nipple and clean both thoroughly.  The breech threads should be cleaned with the type of brush sold for that purpose.  I reassemble the rifle (hand tightness on the breech plug and nipple!), using T/C thread compound.  I then put several drops of household 3-in-1 oil on a patch, and run it a number of times up and down the bore with the ramrod.  I follow that up with a dry patch or two to remove excess oil.  I then lightly oil all exposed metal on the gun, and put it away in a clean, dry case.  I usually shoot again in a few months, just because I can't keep away from shooting my old Knight Bighorn!  (And I do shoot a few times from the bench check zero periodically, but I try to shoot as much as possible from field positions like seated, kneeling, from shooting sticks, etc.)  Happy winter to all! 

[ML_Hunter]

Just a tip.  I found that with my Muzzle loader (I have a Black Diamond) the toughest part to clean was the breach plug threads and the area where the bolt goes.  I found that a 12 gauge brush works perfectly to clean the thread and that a 12 gauge swab works to clean the bolt area.  just my  for what its worth and it has worked great for me.