Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Muzzleloader Hunting => Topic started by: bowhunterforever on September 27, 2009, 12:18:28 AM
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What do you guys do to your muzzy when its snowing/raining? Do you cover the end of your barrel, cover the nipple and is it a good idea to shoot the gun after a day of hunting in the snow/rain,Or should it be fine? That would suck to finaly get a shot at something and the gun wont go off cause of moister.Thanks
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I tape the muzzle and I like a tight fit of the cap over the nipple. If you're really worried you can put a dab of beeswax like toilet ring wax around the nipple too. Or there is a leather lock cover called a "cow's knee" that some flintlock shooters use. I also try to avoid warming my gun back up if I've been out in the cold to minimize the condensation that forms on it. Mine has never failed to ignite, but I have had a noticeable delay in ignition after several days. If I'm at all worried about it I will shoot or pull the load at the end of the day.
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I have never had a problem, just pay attention to keeping the barrel level instead of pointed straight up to keep rain from running down the bore. #11 caps should fit your nipple tight and seal it.
I too have never had any issues even after a week in the woods. Hang fires happen even in dry conditions so be prepared and you will be fine.
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I rubberband a ziplock type baggie over the end of the barrel. Then you dont have to worry about pulling it off to shoot. Just shoot through it. :twocents:
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I agree with White lightning. Keep the barrel angled downward and I also keep my hand over the nipple. I don't use #11 caps though. I have had good luck with Musket caps, alot more fire.
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Be careful with covering the breach or nipple. Law says the nipple has to be exposed to the elements!!!! I like to cover the breach with my hand while stalking and sitting.
Try a balloon over the end of the barrel. Always works for me. You can shoot right through it
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for the muzzy if its a 50cal. you can use yellow ear plugs.
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electrical tape over the muzzle. Small red gasgit covers the bottom of the primer. carry with hand over breech
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You can also try seran wrap to wrap around the nipple and tape both ends. The regs clarified what it means to be "eposed to the elements" this year. According to the pamphlet, this means that the nipple cannot be covered or protected by an "Integral part of the weapon proper." So as long as whatever is protecting the nipple isn't a part of your gun it should be legal.
Also, I would recommend shooting your rifle after a day of hunting in the rain/wet snow. I never had a problem either with my weapon not firing until this last year. My dad and I hunted all day in the rain. The next day I took my nipple off to check the powder and it appeared to be dry. I put a little extra in there before putting the nipple back on just to be safe. My dad fired his and it went right off without any delay whatsoever. This also reassured me that everything was likely fine. Well, the next day, my dad and I made beautiful stalk on a nice 5x5 bugling bull getting within about 80 yards in a old logged clearing. I raised up, took aim and PAAAP!! Nothing but the cap went off. Needless to say the whole herd spooked and the bull vanished into the timber.
Thats the last time I'll take that risk after hunting in wet weather.
