When to load during hunt

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Muleys24Seven

Active Member

Messages

155

• Nov 15, 2017

• #1

Hi all-

I'm not real experienced in muzzy hunts and would appreciate some input on when to load a muzzleloader during a hunt?

The hunt is late so the weather will be cold and potentially snowy. Also it is for mule deer so I will mainly be doing a lot of long range glassing and if I do see a good buck the stalk may be lengthy. Chances I see a shooter buck during this hunt are pretty low.

So would you recommend I load my gun in the tent in the morning when the gun is clean, dry and under a controlled environment or would you wait until I see a shooter buck and up until the final approach of the stalk?

Just want to avoid my gun not going off when I need it to.

Thanks

 

mlchaser

Member

Messages

78

• Nov 16, 2017

• #2

Load when you first get to the field and are hunting when a shot could happen. Keep loaded the whole hunt until you need. Cap your muzzleloader each day when going out, uncap when returning to vehicle/camp. If wet/snowy just cover barrel tip with elec tape or finger cot, and depending on action, some chapstick helps seal the action. I hunted 5 days in Quebec in the rain with a CVA Apex and Blackhorn powder and after 5 days hadn't killed. So fired a test shot and was fine. Reloaded and shot a caribou 5 days later and was fine. Just be smart and keep it dry where you can, but always be ready!

 

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hntbambi

Active Member

Messages

798

• Nov 16, 2017

• #3

Personally, I load the powder charge and projectile the evening before the hunt. That is one less thing I need to think about while I am all excited about going hunting. Most states consider the ML to be "loaded" when it has an ignition source (primer/cap/etc)installed. On the rare occurrences where I was not loaded when I got to my hunting area, I loaded as soon as I left my vehicle to begin the hunt.

Be sure to use witness marks on the ramrod and make sure you don't double load.

 

B

bronco63

Member

Messages

74

• Nov 17, 2017

• #4

I load up the morning on the first day of the hunt. I then put a used primer into the breech preventing moisture getting to the powder. Then put in a good primer or cap depending on gun when the stalk in on.

 

M

Muleys24Seven

Active Member

Messages

155

• Nov 18, 2017

• #5

Thanks for the replies.

Sounds unanimous about loading prior to hunt. I like thd used primer idea along with tape.

Thanks
Corey

 

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elktaker

Active Member

Messages

281

• Nov 20, 2017

• #6

I put electrical tape over the muzzle of mine when hunting. Keeps rain and snow out and dust (lots of it in Utah)

I do one piece over the muzzle and another wrapped around the barrel flush with the end of barrel to hold the first piece. No affect on accuracy, I do it with all my rifles and muzzleloaders.