Wet Weather and the Muzzleloader

[Northcountryman]

Hey Guys; so how much does rainy weather impact the Muzzleloaders ability to fire anyway? I use a finger guard over the top as a condom, but is that 100% or will some leakage/absorption occur anyway and ruin my white hots? 

[smittty]

20 minutes ago, Northcountryman said:

Hey Guys; so how much does rainy weather impact the Muzzleloaders ability to fire anyway? I use a finger guard over the top as a condom, but is that 100% or will some leakage/absorption occur anyway and ruin my white hots? 

It’s hard to get the load wet if you put a finger cot over the barrel that’s fine. Remember the bass of your sabot also seals and protects your powder. But be careful with the primer wet fingers will ruin them it happened to me

Edited December 27, 2023 by smittty

[electricstart]

Not sure what powder you are using but as Smitty said keep the end covered and you should be ok. I have even taken a piece of plastic and covered the bolt area. really not necessary.  

[Tarhunt]

What kind of muzzleloader? Flintlock, percussion, inline? 

Edited December 28, 2023 by Tarhunt

[Ron]

I use a ziplock bag corner taped over the end of the barrel. Works great. Have yet to have an issue. But remember to remove it from end of barrel if you even think you got moisture in the barrel before you put it on. That moisture could create rust. But as for powder, all good with keeping barrel covered. 
 

Just for reference, I shoot a TC Encore (break action). 

Edited December 28, 2023 by Ron

[Lunatic]

When I hunt muzzy in the rain I keep it in a soft case, taking it out when necessary. I did it this afternoon, it worked:-) 

[Recurve hntr]

I used a t/c 50 ca. hawken this year. It’s loaded with 90 grains of black powder with a maxi ball! I have these little condom looking things I bought at Ed tarpeys gun shop to put over the top of the barrel! 

[tankgijohn72]

http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/117/3460/=f6b3yx

I use a cva optima and put a Buna o ring in the breech plug.  I use blackhorn 209 powder.  Usually last 30-40 shots.  Not only does it seal out moisture, but eliminates any primer blowby and gets all of the primer into the powder column.  Since doing this I have never had a hang fire in close to 15 years.  Also at least with mine you must clean the entire breech plug.  It's not sufficient to be able to see through the flash hole.  I use appropriate sized drill bit and by hand remove any buildup from the powder side of the drill bit.

Edited December 28, 2023 by tankgijohn72

[Gman]

I'm buying a traditions nitrofire for my wife, I'll use it in wet weather! No worries about rain, the firesticks are 100% waterproof!

[Deerslayer21]

13 hours ago, Ron said:

I use a ziplock bag corner taped over the end of the barrel. Works great. Have yet to have an issue. But remember to remove it from end of barrel if you even think you got moisture in the barrel before you put it on. That moisture could create rust. But as for powder, all good with keeping barrel covered. 
 

Just for reference, I shoot a TC Encore (break action). 

get the small barrel condoms !!!!!!!!!!  so much better... 

[Northcountryman]

13 hours ago, Tarhunt said:

What kind of muzzleloader? Flintlock, percussion, inline? 

 

I have an in-line 

[Northcountryman]

Do you guys keep your Muzzle indoors or outdoors? Another guy told me to keep it outside if I could to prevent condensatrion/mositure build-up.  Normally, I would if theres major temperature fluctuations, but its been around high 40s, low 50s all week- is it necessary when its not real cold or hot?

[Gman]

7 minutes ago, Northcountryman said:

Do you guys keep your Muzzle indoors or outdoors?

Once it's loaded it goes in my garage, the guy gave you good advice, if you bring a cold gun into a warm house it will get wet with condensation. 

[archer36]

I use a waterproof cover that easily slips on and off. Covers the whole gun, not just the muzzle. 

[Northcountryman]

You use that in lieu of condom/fingerguard or both?