Got a dumb muzzleloader question. I've always heard to unload powder and projectile, basically, never keep them loaded, I guess because the corrosive nature of the powders. Even with a breach plug, you end up with powder in the plug threads, powder spilt everywhere, ect. Is it really necessary to unload for say a 5 or 7 day storage? Of coarse you need to remove the 209 primer for safety purposes, but is everything else over hyped, or do I really have to do it?
2nd part, if you really unload every time (loose powder), do you try to catch the powder and reuse it? Hate to dump 120grs of powder in the grass; but at the same time, that powder has to have some thread grease contamination.
If I was shooting pelatized powder, I dont think I would be nearly as worried about everything, but what I've universally heard is the pellets aren't as consistent as powder.
If it matters, I've got Triple 7 and Pydrodex. If it was Blackhorn, at $50/half pound, I'd really hate dumping that...
Edit: also, does anyone Not reload an unloaded sabot or powderbelt? I know it engraves the rifling on the plastic belt or sabot on the way in... If you dont reuse them, is it because of measurable accuracy problems, or superstitions/voodoo
