I was given a couple of muzzle loaders without breech plugs. I think they have been loaded for over 2 years!!!...not good. I don't plan on using them. I have a nice TC Omega that I take good care of. He thinks they have loose powder and lead balls with patching. Any advice about pulling them? Are the guns ruined? Should I consider shooting them to unload them? I haven't tried anything yet. Thanks for any knowledge.
I wouldn't attempt shooting either. They might be ruined, depends on how they where stored. Is there any signs of rust or corrosion?
Agreed! OP, do you not have a puller etc since you already have a muzzleloader? If not, take it to the best smith you have locally and have it done and looked over. The powder is corrosive if left in the barrels as such.
First of all, if you are not comfortable to work on the firearm then don't hesitate taking it to a gunsmith. verify that it is in fact loaded by checking with the ramrod depth if they have one. then check the bore visibly with a good light, i would start by squirting a liberal amount of lubricant down the barrel. this will loosen up any corrosion that may have fused the load in place and also not allow the powder if any to ignite. then tear the rifle down as far as you can and try a number of different methods to remove the load. you may already have a bullet puller with your muzzle loading stuff? if not they are pretty cheap and attach to the end of a cleaning rod or a ram rod. also try and blow it out with air pressure either through the nipple, depends on what kind of rifle either a nipple or a powder pan if its a flintlock. try hitting where the load is seated with a rubber mallet to loosen it too.
C02 load discharger. http://www.cabelas.com/ensemble/Sho...oryId=104218380&productId=741064&type=product
So you don't plan on using them, they're probably pitted to hell and back..... ahh... give 'em back. LOL
