Does a "several days'" load exist?

[Stumpkiller]

I just came in from two days of sunny but uneventful hunting (Sat/Sun) and I still have the load in. Will get back out Friday and intend to just reprime to do it.

 

[nightwolf1974]

I used to have an old beat-up Zouave I bought for $50 at thrift shop( they thought it was a non-firing replica...but it was a functional one)...I tested it first at 1 month.....it shot fine. then at 3 months.....shot fine. then at 6 months.....no problems. then at 1 year......no problems. then at 3 years.....no hangfires, shot fine.
I always run a slightly oiled rag down the barrel after I load up for hunting.

now keep in mind....this was a T/C patch with their lube and a roundball AND kept inside in stable environment when I didn't hunt with it (which I did on & off during the tests).

Just my experience.

 

[Stumpkiller]

I can report success in my "several day" load this year. I loaded up November 21st and just fired the ball last night (December 20th). Went off instantly even after many days out and being kept in between in the unheated garage. Had a cow's knee over it when I was out in the snow or wet - but it did not rain on me this year.

I have a little 1/32" (0.032") dia. by 3" long "pick" I made out of music wire with the last 1/8" bent up at a slight angle. Before priming I stick this in the vent and twist it around to break up the powder in the main charge near the vent. I also keep a toothpick in the vent when it is in the garage.

The little micro-pick is a new addition this year. But I have done the same thing for years. If I haven't been rained on or fired the firearm (rifle or smoothbore) I leave it loaded between hunts.

 

[irishtoo]

i load a percussion gun and a flintlock early october. i use dutch,s dry lube. and keep both of them in my truck till the very last day of deer season. ill fire them that evening and then clean. i also cap the nipple with leather. the flintlock flashhole gets plugged with a feather quill. both get their barrels taped over with bright duck tape for two reasons, moisture and to remind me that they are loaded. they stay in my truck all season. i wouldnt take them back and forth from dry outside cold to warm moist inside air. they have always fired. irishtoo

 

[Rat Trapper]

Irishtoo,
I do the same thing and mine was loaded for over two weeks and went off like a charm.

 

[mr.flintlock]

I load my flintlock at the beginning of the season and it stays loaded until I shoot a deer. I use bear lard as patch lube and have experienced no problems. I believe leaving your rifle loaded would be fine using any good patch lube.

 

[nhmoose]

I plug the flash hole with a feathers found under the bird feeders or from the girls coop. What ever is in hand easiest.
Pick the hole and charge pan has worked for 30 years plus.