Muzzleloader cleaning

Gil Martin · Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 7:16 pm Post subject: Muzzleloader cleaning

A friend of mine just shot his first deer with a muzzleloader. He is a bow and centerfire rifle hunter and wanted to use a smokepole. I was pleased and asked him if he cleaned his rifle. He did not, but proudly told me that he merely reloaded it. That does not cut it regarding cleaning. I told him to clean his rifle right away. All the best...
Gil

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 12:51 am Post subject: Re: Muzzleloader cleaning

When I was reenacting I saw rifles rust in a few hours from the black powder residue. Hodgdon 777 doesn't seem to have that problem but I still clean it pretty soon after shooting.

Crackshot · Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 10:41 am Post subject: Re: Muzzleloader cleaning

777 & pyrodex dont get your gun filthy "AS FAST", but is still pretty crudy if left alone for awhile.
I Dont use them but alot of folks do. I prefer Black powder and always clean right after fireing. I have found the best method for me is to use the kitchen sink and HOT water with alittle dish soap in it. The hotter the water the better. Rinse with hot water and it will pretty much dry itself. run a patch down the bore with 1000+ on it and its usualy good to go until the next use. For long term storage I will spray Breakfree down the bore and clean with HOT soapy water again BEFORE fireing. PETROLIUM + BLACKPOWDER = BAD BAD THINGS!

Joe Boleo · Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 6:35 pm Post subject: Re: Muzzleloader cleaning

Gil,
I hate it when that happens. Take care...
Joe