Hey, guys. I'll finally be sighting in my CVA Wolf muzzle loader in the next two weeks to get ready for the season. Between shots I plan on running my .50 caliber bore snake through a few times. The question I have is; should I be firing a primer cap to foul the barrel once it is clean, or should I just clean it and fire it? Thanks.
trouttouter,
I believe that after a thorough cleaning, folks that shoot sidelocks always seem to fire a percussion cap to make sure there is nothing to restrict the charge from reaching the powder, like bore lube or gun oil. Cleaning an in-line, it is easy to see if the is any oil or debris in the bore or nipple that will create a problem. Cleaning or wiping the bore after each shot is a way to keep everything balanced if you are working on sighting in a rifle. Residue will continue to build in the bore and each time you seat a projectile on a new charge, will require more force and probably not be give the accuracy your rifle is capable of producing.
Treefarmer
to add to the post above firing a cap also help to dry the barrel.
I have had guns that the first shoot on a clean barrel never hits so remember track you shoot groups. On that old gun i would fire a load of powder with a patch then load it to go hunting.
My CVA seems to shoot better after popping a cap so I always do. You'll figure this out at the range. With a clean barrell I'm all over the place.
My CVA seems to shoot better after popping a cap so I always do. You'll figure this out at the range. With a clean barrell I'm all over the place.
X2. It's easy enough to do and not expensive. When at the range shoot it clean then clean it and pop a cap and shoot it. That way you'll be able to tell if it makes a difference in your gun. Always has in my sidelocks.
