Is it ok...

[Nsghunter]

if I left my MZL loaded from 11-8 to 11-14?

I hunted on the 8th, didn't see anything and left the gun loaded. I will be returning on the 14th but wanted to make sure the rifle/powder/load will be fine until then. I didn't want my gun to suffer any damage. I also wanted to make sure that the powder will be fine over the course of a few days.

The gun is a CVA wolf blue/black. the powder is Pyrodex. It is stored in my finished basement. The day I hunted it was a VERY light mist for the last 15 minutes I was in the field. I didn't notice any moisture on the gun at the end of the hunt.

 

[mike243]

I wouldn't worry about it,I have left mine loaded for 6-8 months with no bad stuff happening

 

[Wobblyshot1]

Real black powder or 777 maybe ok....pyrodex no. With the mist, I wouldn't take chances. Pull your old load and put a fresh one in.

 

[larry ipock]

I wouldn't worry about it,I have left mine loaded for 6-8 months with no bad stuff happening

Me too

 

[MUP]

I have heard that the CVA Wolf in blued steel will rust at nothing. A guy at work has one and this is his only complaint about it. If it was shot prior to loading it should be unloaded and cleaned IMO. If cleaned prior to loading, it could still cause corrosion where the powder is seated I believe.

 

[Mike Belt]

I don't know about that rifle but I load mine before opening day and don't empty it until muzzleloader season is over unless I shoot it a couple of times. I've never had a problem. No way I'd leave it loaded beyond using it during muzzleloader. Too many horror stories doing that.

 

[jejeffrries71]

I left mine loaded for two years. It is a mess. I worked on it for hours last night and am not finished.

 

[backyardtndeer]

Dump the load and put in fresh.

 

[DoubleRidge]

Most likely ok.....but the very fact that you are questioning "if" it will be ok is reason enough to take a few minutes....unload.... inspect....and reload.....peace of mind sitting on stand knowing your muzzleloader is ready is a much better feeling than wondering or hoping it's ok.....reload it.

 

[cbhunter]

If it weren't for the mist you would be fine. Since it was damp out, take no chances in a misfire when that buck of your dreams steps out!

 

[kamml]

Best advice is to dump the load or otherwise mark the rifle as loaded. I did neither and was a bit surprised when I popped a cap to dry out the gun the next season. Fortunately I was pointing the gun down the range. My hunting buddy remarked rather dryly that I must have used a very powerful cap that time. Be safe.

 

[Southern Sportsman]

Everyone I know loads their ML on or before opening day and hunts with it until they are done muzzleloading for the year. A very light mist should not affect the integrity of the powder charge inside your barrel. If you hunted in a steady rain or it got wet some other way, I'd unload and reload. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about it.

That said, if in doubt, err on the side of caution. I wouldn't worry about it, but it's not my gun and it's not going to be my hunt. If you're going to wonder or worry even a little, reload it. It's not hard or expensive and peace of mind is worth a lot.

 

[sun]

I always put a balloon over the muzzle secured with a thin rubber band.