how long can you leave a ML loaded?

[MTW]

do any of you guys leave your ML loaded, or do you shoot it out after each hunt?

i dont like to leave one loaded, but the place i usually shoot, has a 140 class 10 pt chasing does. i dont like to use a high power rifle on this property. so i was wondering, i use a T/C black diamond, with 777, how long could it be charged and still hold point of aim, or does it matter? i do keep it dry, but i was wondering how much moisture the 777 might pull in.

thanks

 

[smokepolehall]

I have left my load in fer a week at a time and i use the Blk. Dia. with Pyro P. Never had a misfire but keep it dry.

 

[3shots]

If I were you, I would unload/discharge it SOON. Just for safety sake and all the above.

 

[tennbassethound]

I didnt do it on purpose but i left one loaded for a year before and it shot fine.

 

[RUGER]

The key to leaving one loaded and it going off correctly is to keep the temperature of the gun the same.
For example don't carry in and out of the house each time you hunt.
If possible leave it in an outside utility room or something.

 

[dryhorn2]

All year long If you keep the gun in the house.

 

[ROOKIE2323]

All year long if you leave it in a dry place

 

[shopson]

Taking it from the cold to warm spot is like taking something out of the fridge. Barring extreme temp changes, fog or rain, I generally leave mine loaded til I am done with it for the season.

 

[JSTEVE]

During both seasons. Not for a year.

 

[Boone 58]

I can tell you now, dont do it, you will live to regret it. I have seen many times the powder will get wet with sweating from the metal barrel getting cold then warm even in a house. It may not happen every time but no time will you ever appreciate a misfire when it occurs. i dont recommend you doing it for more than a week at most but certainly not between seasons such as the nov to december period. I know of at least two guys who had this happen this year. it took 3 209 primers to get the powder to fire. fortunately the buck on one of these guys hung around until he was killed, the other guy found it out on the range after a fruitless morning hunt and a desire to check his scopes accuracy. it took him three primers also.

 

[WestTn Huntin man]

The season will be over in a few weeks. Just take it with you and discharge it after the last hunt,or sometime after the season is over. Or pull over at one of the gravel pits and shoot away.

 

[TNhunter]

If it is an inline - take the breech plug out and push the charge and bullet out the breech end. MUCH easier cleanup than cleaning a discharged muzzleloader.

 

[kmac29]

dont know but i left mine loaded from the first MZ hunt and it stayed that way till thursday of the second hunt (last week) and i waxed a doe with it so it was ok. i probably wouldnt leave it for all year though..

 

[thejedi]

As long as you don't get rained on, all season.

 

[44fanatic]

Sounds like the powder can stay dry for awhile if kept close to the same temp. One thing I havnt seen on this thread....

What about the double loading if you leave it loaded? Seems like a big safety hazard.

 

[squattin dogg]

I never leave mine loaded alway empty it on a deer or a practice shot at target.

 

[Henry Lehman]

kept dry in your house. all year...........

 

[iowavf]

Mine never comes into the house loaded, but I will leave it loaded, locked up in the pickup for a couple weeks during deer season. I have my rod marked so I'll know if I'm trying to double load it.

 

[fourwheeler431]

Mine stays loaded during season unless for some reason I get to use it.

 

[PickettSFHunter]

I dont know but I would unload right when the season is over.

 

[ClubHead]

You need to tape a sign to it that says its loaded and the date.This way theres no double loading and you will handle safer.

 

[Mathews Hunter]

I hate to admit this but for the past three years, my muzzle loader has remained loaded for an entire year until I sight it in the following year. I need to quit doing that.

 

[OneShot]

I like to discharge mine and have it clean for the next hunt. But, that's just the way I am. I don't like leaving it loaded in the gun safe.