Cleaning a Muzzleloader

[WVHunter129]

Describe the procedure for cleaning your muzzleloader, especially for storing it until next season.

Is there a difference in cleaning a side hammer muzzleloader versus a inline?

[DaveHawk]

WV, hot soapy water, remove the barrol and clean good. I use bore butter after I clean my ML and store it in the closet.

[WVHunter129]

Dave that is exactly how I clean mine when I put it away for the season. Now I have had some people tell me that you don't want to do that cause it takes the season out of the barrel. They compare it to a cast iron skillet, they say after getting the skillet seasoned if you use hot soapy water you will take the seasoning off. I kinda laughed and didn't say much else about it. That is why I asked the question to see if anyone else did it with the hot soapy water.

Also, my father-in-law has a CVA inline and wants me to clean it for him. He is 72 years old and got into muzzleloader hunting about 4 years ago. He first had a side hammer percussion cap, then decided he wanted a inline cause he had to many misfires with the side hammer. I told him that I didn't know if you cleaned them like you do a side hammer or not.

Again, thanks for the response at least I know that I am not the only one that cleans a muzzleloader that way.

After cleaning my muzzleloader I use the Thompson 1000 Natural lube to lubricate the inside of the barrel.

[DaveHawk]

Thsi is how I perfected my side hammer ; I drilled out the touch hole one size larger.
>For hunting when I load the gun I will take the nipple off and put a smige of 4F in and replace the nipple after loadding the 2 F.
> Loading , once the powder is down place the hammer side against your boot , then tap the hammer side a few time to force the powder into the nipple area. The gun will fire.
> Befor I hunt I discharge 2 caps to clear the barrol.

> On the fireing range I will take my priming horn of 4F and dump a few grains into the nipple after loading.