Leaving powder in the barrel

[45man]

Moisture is still the problem, kept dry it is OK but powder does draw moisture. Sweat from cold to hot during season can become a problem.

 

[Frederickdav]

Back a bunch of years ago when I was a deer hunter I would leave my rifle out in the truck. That way it didn't have a moisture problem from bringing cold steel into warm moist house.

 

[JCKelly]

Do not leave gunpowder in your firearm.
There is more than one manufacturer of gunpowder, and at least one who has changed details of mfg over the years.
Somewhere I have notes on one Mad Max examined with a hole eaten through the barrel, from havingbeen left loaded with one maker's early product. Black powder in the barrel MAY be relatively harmless (if you are fool enough to consider a loaded gun "harmless"), but it may also be most destructive.

 

[Trooper]

Do not leave gunpowder in your firearm.
There is more than one manufacturer of gunpowder, and at least one who has changed details of mfg over the years.
Somewhere I have notes on one Mad Max examined with a hole eaten through the barrel, from havingbeen left loaded with one maker's early product. Black powder in the barrel MAY be relatively harmless (if you are fool enough to consider a loaded gun "harmless"), but it may also be most destructive.

Up here in Alberta, the rule of thumb is that your muzzleloader isn't considered loaded unless there is a cap on your nipple or a powder in your pan in case of a flinter.

 

[JCKelly]

That "rule of thumb" has nothing to do with the amazing corrosion that may happen from unburnt powder from the very early 1970's.
There is no point in discussing the WHY here.
Some early 1970's UNBURNT power will corrode thru a barrel.