Modern Day "Dessicant Tompion" for Muzzleloaders

[roundball]

The post below about Tompions reminded me of a question I've wanted to ask but kept forgetting it.

I've wondered why Tompions don't seem to be in common use today, and further thought that with a little modification a Tompion might be a good product to make, if it was packed with a moisture attracting dessicant like 'SilicaGel' or something.

I think similiar devices are already made to drop into the chambers of modern shotguns to store them after cleaning, so the idea has some precedent...seems like it should be a good way to pull moisture away from / out of the walls of a muzzleloader bore too.

Any thoughts on this?

 

[Keith]

Well, the response is overwhelming isn't it? I like the idea. Were you thinking of a bore sized plug a couple of inches long with desicant in the part that goes down bore, (there must be names for the parts but darned if I know what they are)?

 

[roundball]

Yes, something like that...I have no idea if it would work or be beneficial but it seems like it should.
Maybe a generic tapered rubber plug with the dessicant cannister off one end...and the other end could have an expanding/tightening device to allow one (or two) sizes to fit all bore sizes...(kind of like the expandable rubber plugs that were available to reseal a beverage bottle long before screw on bottle caps were invented)

Maybe the canister could be removeable so it could be dryed out in an oven whenever you wanted to

 

[rabjr]

Not sure I'm sold on these. Any thought given to possible effects on the muzzle with long term use? We worry about ramrod materials and their effect on the muzzle. Can't these hold and introduce grit into the bore as well? I would be tempted to find away to make something that fit over the muzzle not inside it.

 

[Stumpkiller]

You want to make sure the dessicant is not in contact with metal. It captures moisture, but is itself made moist in the process.

 

[roundball]

That could probably be designed in...a top larger in diameter than a typical barrel, with a tapered 'muzzle guide' effect under it, then the canister suspended down into the bore?

 

[foxy]

I use dessicant in storing my shotgun. I put the stuff into an empty shell case and plug the case with a wad of loose cotton. Put the shell case into the breech and close up. Than plug the muzzle and it keeps everything high and dry inside.

I shoot a side lock and I haven't figured out how to get a shotgun shell case down to the bottom yet. Maybe a .410 or 20Ga. at the muzzle and store the rifle upside down! ::

 

[tg]

You would have to have a pretty large bored gun for any of the tampons I have seen to fit in....