Actually, Pete, of the two guns I mention above, both are of quite modern manufacture and use cartridges: a bolt-action .308 and an automatic 12-guage. But in another thread I guess I did mention my wife's muzzle-loader, which her dad gave us several years ago. I know that my father-in-law had fired it within the last 10 or 20 years, and is not the sort of gunowner to leave any gun, especially a seldom-used antique, loaded. I can see why they did in the old days though. So, if there is a load in the bottom of the barrel, what should we do 'bout it?

Chris (SDShad, Shad, Shad O'Spawn, Marie of Roumania, chosen one of the Skridnor of Algos VII, depending on what the voices are saying)