Well, I didn't manage to find a deer for this quick hunt (2.5 days). But I had a major success in keeping the powder dry. This being my first hunt with a muzzleloader, I was nervous about the rain & humity. But due to my over-preparedness, I test fired after sitting outside in the pouring rain all day. The rifle fired without even a slight delay.
Traditions rain kit on the muzzle & the nipple. Beeswax on the threads of the nipple & side screw. Kept the lock under a poncho when the rain started pouring down in the morning. By evening, all was still well, as evidenced by the ignition & firing. If I had to do it over again, I'd probably leave the poncho (heavy and noisy) and just put the lock under a piece of waxed cloth (cow's knee?).
At any rate, I know percussion isn't as problematic as flintlocks in the rain. But I thought I'd pass it along from one newbie to any others.
Traditions rain kit on the muzzle & the nipple. Beeswax on the threads of the nipple & side screw. Kept the lock under a poncho when the rain started pouring down in the morning. By evening, all was still well, as evidenced by the ignition & firing. If I had to do it over again, I'd probably leave the poncho (heavy and noisy) and just put the lock under a piece of waxed cloth (cow's knee?).
At any rate, I know percussion isn't as problematic as flintlocks in the rain. But I thought I'd pass it along from one newbie to any others.