Squib

[ElkJunkie]

I've hunted with side lock muzzleloaders off and on since I was 14, but this fall will mark my first foray with an inline. I'm shooting 285 grain spitfires over 120 grains777 with good accuracy. I usually run a wet patch after each shot followed by two dry patches and then pop a cap before reloading. I skipped the wet patch today, running only a dry patch between shots to knock down the crud, not only did the barnes sabots seem easier to load, but accuracy improved noticeably. I've never fired a blackpowder gun without a projectile in it, is it safe to do so prior to loading up for hunting? The powerbelt propaganda recommends firing a squib charge to foul the barrel for a better fit, how much of a charge would you recommend?