Backpacking with Muzzleloaders

[CVShooter]

I'm thinking ahead to next deer season where I've been able to get a muzzleloading/archery tag. The hunt requires a decent haul into a remote area. I've taken my bow the last couple years but am probably going to take my new (to me) percussion rifle.

Besides taking a few pounds of extra gear (possibles bag), I'm curious to get some advice on how to manage the daily cleaning regimen while in the back country, several miles from my vehicle. My typical trip lasts 4-5 days.

What kind of cleaning regimen must I maintain while I'm out? Full cleaning each day? A few lubed patches okay?

Assuming fair weather, should I be discharging at the end of the day each day? Or will every other day work?

Will a screw-in bullet puller work for copper or ITX? Or do I need to hunt down a C02 discharger & bring that as well?

Any other must-have or must-do items from more experienced folks? The hunt is late season so weather is always a factor. Humidity can be high. Rain is always to be expected at some point during the week. Should I put a silica gel packet in my powder flask?

[rmnc3r]

I've only done fair weather weekend /overnight scouts in 18th Century period gear, usually in a 4-7 man group.
Our Flint Longrifles were left loaded overnight as we took turns on watch (for bears, cats or ??). In the morning, we'd have an impromptu shoot to test marksmanship and reliability, then clean and reload. A mouthful or two of water from the canteen (or gourd), spit down the bore followed by a wipe-down with a dry then oiled patch was the usual regimen. Cloth Patches were saved and sometimes used as tinder or turned into char cloth.

Since we were looking to have an 'authentic' experience, we eschewed as many modern contrivances as possible - so 'keep yer powder dry' was more than a trite admonition and challenge.

Thorough cleaning and oiling was done at home.

[THBailey]

What rifle do you have and how much have you shot it?

[Abenaki]

I shoot flintlocks a lot.

My question is.....why do you want to clean it every day?
You only need to clean it if you shoot it.

One problem that I've seen with percussion guns, is that people get to much oil or grease in or around the breach plug or nipple. I've seen lots of misfires because of that.

Take care
Abenaki

[CVShooter]

What rifle do you have and how much have you shot it?

Traditions woodsman. As I mentioned, I'm a newbie. Have only taken it to the range once & gave it about a dozen shots. I'm hoping to go again next week to try out the lead-free bullets.

In keeping with the "keep yer powder dry" mantra, I've read that and end of the day cleaning (discharging if needed to clear the powder charge) is a standard thing. I probably read that in the Lyman manual somewhere. The place where I intend to hunt is pretty darned humid in December, especially at night. Lacking any real-world experience here, I'm open to learning from others.

[Abenaki]

If your bore is sealed by the bullet, or ball. The only place that moisture can get in is through the nipple.

What I would do is to de-cap the nipple. And place a piece of leather on the nipple with the hammer resting on it. you should have no problem with moisture.

If you are worried about a miss fire. In the mornings I would pull the nipple and place a pinch of fresh powder under it.

One of the biggest problems that folks have with percussions is, that the hole in the nipple gets plugged. Or to much oil or grease on the breach plug, or in the nipple making a mess of things.

Good luck with your hunt!!
Abenaki

[CVShooter]

If your bore is sealed by the bullet, or ball. The only place that moisture can get in is through the nipple.

What I would do is to de-cap the nipple. And place a piece of leather on the nipple with the hammer resting on it. you should have no problem with moisture.

If you are worried about a miss fire. In the mornings I would pull the nipple and place a pinch of fresh powder under it.

One of the biggest problems that folks have with percussions is, that the hole in the nipple gets plugged. Or to much oil or grease on the breach plug, or in the nipple making a mess of things.

Good luck with your hunt!!
Abenaki

So you're saying that cleaning every night isn't really necessary as long as I keep the bore sealed from both ends? Makes sense to me. Sure beats having to shoot off the ball at the end of the night and alert everything in the canyon to my presence.

And condensation inside the bore wouldn't be an issue when the rifle is just kept under a tarp all night?

[Abenaki]

That's right.

Take care
Abenaki

[Capt.Dunsel]

leather over the nipple and a ball of bees wax at muzzle , it'll keep it all dry .

[Springfield45]

I kept a cap and ball revolver fully loaded for over two years and it fired just fine. No damage at all because it was clean when loaded. Just keep it dry and wipe it down with a lightly oiled patch to prevent surface rust.

[CVShooter]

Many thanks, folks.

[THBailey]

If you want, shoot me a PM with your phone number and I can probably give you some advice. I have been muzzle hunting for years and years.

[Abenaki]

If your bore is sealed by the bullet, or ball. The only place that moisture can get in is through the nipple.

What I would do is to de-cap the nipple. And place a piece of leather on the nipple with the hammer resting on it. you should have no problem with moisture.

If you are worried about a miss fire. In the mornings I would pull the nipple and place a pinch of fresh powder under it.

One of the biggest problems that folks have with percussions is, that the hole in the nipple gets plugged. Or to much oil or grease on the breach plug, or in the nipple making a mess of things.

Good luck with your hunt!!
Abenaki

just to make sure that you under stand. If your going to be in damp weather. You need to remove the cap before lowering the hammer on some leather resting on the nipple.

If I was in real damp weather, I would use a fresh cap every day.

Take care
Abenaki