Dumb question??
#2
Typical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Mesa, Arizona
Posts: 986
RE: Dumb question??
Most of the time I just shoot mine when I know I am finished hunting or if it has been loaded for more than a couple of days. There are co2 powered devices that will unload the charge with a blast of co2 through the nipple where the primer goes. I have one of those but have never used it although I have heard that they work OK although you have to be careful where you point the rifle when doing that as it comes out with some force. It has been mentioned that there are no "dumb questions" on any of these sites. Keep asking and you will get good and probably multiple answers. We are all trying to pass on good information and help each other as much as possible. Sometimes we irritate each other but usually it is not on purpose. There is a lot of experience on the sites; use it all you can.
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,236
RE: Dumb question??
You could pull the load....I don't
You could shoot it out......I don't
You could leave it in........I don't
You could use a Co2 discharger......I DO!
They use almost a whole cylinder per use so figure that price first. I figure I will only hunt about 4 or 5 days total with my flintlock so buying one box of cylinders per year is not a big deal to me and well worth the convenience. I think it it much safer than any of the other alternatives. I did have one instance of a base of a powerbelt staying in the barrel once, so always check your bore before loading. I now put a tube sock over the barrel and collect the bullet for reuse. You can do that with Powerbelts because they come out looking the same as when they went in. Not sure if it is a good idea with other kinds of projectiles.
You could shoot it out......I don't
You could leave it in........I don't
You could use a Co2 discharger......I DO!
They use almost a whole cylinder per use so figure that price first. I figure I will only hunt about 4 or 5 days total with my flintlock so buying one box of cylinders per year is not a big deal to me and well worth the convenience. I think it it much safer than any of the other alternatives. I did have one instance of a base of a powerbelt staying in the barrel once, so always check your bore before loading. I now put a tube sock over the barrel and collect the bullet for reuse. You can do that with Powerbelts because they come out looking the same as when they went in. Not sure if it is a good idea with other kinds of projectiles.
#5
RE: Dumb question??
I am one that does not like to pull a projectile. I simply pick out a safe spot somewhere in the woods on the way out and shoot. This does a couple of things for me. One it tells me if I was able to weatherproof the rifle properly. It also tells me if the load is hitting where it should. Plus then I can start the next day on a clean rifle with a new projectile.
#6
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Indiana
Posts: 234
RE: Dumb question??
Just shoot it up in the air or at a neighbors cat...haha ( just kidding, dont try it). I just shoot into a hill or somewhere where nobody will be. I have heard of the co2 dischargers, but never used one. I leave the same load in my gun for about 3 days unless it has rained or snowed or anything like that.
#7
RE: Dumb question??
ORIGINAL: superman8791
I have a dumb question..i am going to get my first muzzleloader in a couple of months and i was wondering ..what do you do if you hunt and dont shoot it???Do you unload it..how??
I have a dumb question..i am going to get my first muzzleloader in a couple of months and i was wondering ..what do you do if you hunt and dont shoot it???Do you unload it..how??
If compressed air is not available, I seal the nipple or vent, and pull the load with a puller made fror that purpose...there's no ignition source inside the barrel, and worse case, it's no more dangerous than loading the barrel in the first place...less actually as there's no compression involved.
#10
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: MD
Posts: 57
RE: Dumb question??
With my Traditions Deerhunter (.54 cal sidelock), I shoot it before I leave the field. With my .50 cal Remington 700 MLS, I simply remove the breechplug and, using the ramrod, push the bullet/powder charge out through the breech. Remington supplies a plastic tube that threads into the breech, so you powder will not spill loose powder into the receiver, but if you use pellets, that is not an issue. Of course, remember to remove caps/primers first!
Brian
Brian