If unfired, how long can you leave a charge in?

[SaskBucks]

If unfired, how long can you leave a charge in? There is no moisture in or on the gun and I am using pyrodex pellets...what do you guys do?

[AJ]

click here

[robk]

got a friend that if he doesn't get a shot will keep the load in until next muzzle loader season. moisture is the key but i myself at the end of the muzzle loader season which is 10 days here in oklahoma send the round down range and clean the gun before storing it. i am sure one day someone will do some thing like not black powder hunt for two to three years and then take it out and hunt with it and find them selves marred or dead. i guess it depends on you as i am a stickler for my guns i won't keep it loaded at all after the season
rob k

[SaskBucks]

Thanks Rob, where in OK are you, I had college teammates from Broken Arrow, Guthrie, Lawton, and other places

[SaskMan]

Tim, I've left it in for a couple of weeks as long as it hasn't been out in the rain, have had no problem setting off a charge though I will admit it was in the back of head "please go off", leave it in for as long as you're comfortable.

[too_pointer]

We have a short season here also. I have no problem leaving it loaded as long as I keep it in my garage. I don't believe in having it go from cold to hot, that can mess up the powder pretty quick.Keep it dry and the temps consistent and it should be fine.
too_pointer

[johnf]

I know I'm probibly going to get raked over the coals here for this, but here we go.

This morning I shot a coyotee from my deer stand with a T/C scout hammer style in-line muz. The shot in it was loaded almost to the day 2 years ago. I had a fresh primer in it and it went off without a problem.

[johnf]

I shot another coyotee the same evening with a fresh load in my gun. The first shot didn't even compare. The report of the gun was at least twice as loud and there was some felt recoil.
The first shot went in the coyotee right between the eyes and came out his back leg so I'm sure it would have killed a deer at the same distance, but I'm not sure it would have reached out very far. The second shot threw the coyotee about 15 feet and nearly tore it in half.

[MarylandQDMA]

I will leave a round in for up to two weeks (if that, cause I usuly shoot something). but I take it in and out of the house. my trick, keep the barrell pointed down so if and when the condation sets in it drains away from the load. allways worked for me.
Frank

[RangerClay]

My Dad left a load in at the end of the season a few years ago. Months later he went target shooting with friends and went to pop a cap like most of do before we shoot. BOOM! He almost shot someone. He was VERY embarassed.

Have you tried a T/C silent discharger. It empties the gun with VERY little mess to clean up. I would not go out without mine.

Ranger