Rainproofing -- It worked!

[Nuthatch]

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.

 

[Britsmoothy]

I often have to hunt in rain and it's rare if I have a failure.
Well done for your endeavours

B.

 

[yonderin]

It would have never occurred to me to wax the threads on the nipple. Thanks for the tip. Might not be absolutely necessary but every little bit of preparation helps towards success.

I've got a US Army poncho from the 80's. Not heavy and not particularly noisy that I've noticed. The awkwardness of carrying a longarm under it is more of a concern for me.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

When you shoot does the wax get warmed enough to melt and flow down into the drum or the snail on the caplock?

Anybody ever tried a tiny piece of plumber's tape??

I always put wax on the outside of the nipple, where it met the drum, and after capping put a bit of wax over the cap. The hammer always hit hard enough to go through the wax and pop the cap.

LD

 

[Spikebuck]

Good job, Nuthatch! About the only thing with a flintlock to add is to check the pan powder from time to time to see if it's clumping and if so, just brush it out and put in new. Since the humidity is high in that condition, even if kept covered, the powder in the pan can absorb moisture and clump.

While I can't say I've hunted a lot in heavy rain, I have in heavy wet snow, which is pretty much the same kind of condition.

 

[Britsmoothy]

Good job, Nuthatch! About the only thing with a flintlock to add is to check the pan powder from time to time to see if it's clumping and if so, just brush it out and put in new. Since the humidity is high in that condition, even if kept covered, the powder in the pan can absorb moisture and clump.

While I can't say I've hunted a lot in heavy rain, I have in heavy wet snow, which is pretty much the same kind of condition.

Heavy wet snow is a royal pain in the.........!!

 

[Nuthatch]

LD - Regarding the wax running down into the drum, I really can't say. I shot but I wouldn't say I was shooting it. I didn't notice anything there at all when cleaning it.

I thought I was buying a GI poncho when I ordered it. The one I got was solidly well over 1 lb & as noisy as a cheap rain suit. Tucking it under was easy during a downpour. Getting it out & shouldered requires more movement but is easy enough. GF Asbell, a traditional bowhunting legend, gave me the idea in one of his books. I certainly appreciated being able to tuck my boots & rifle under everything. At the end of the day, I was still dry.