I also leave mine loaded.Never had a problem.You can buy little rubbers that are made to go over your barrel.Or I just use a peice of masking tape.Buy the German hotcaps.They are pretty water proof.You wouldnt believe the diiference between them and a regular cap.They come in a red pack with green label.I believe it says Dynamit nobel on the label
I see this reply is pretty late.Kinda out of the loop with hunting this year do to a shoulder injury.But I hope this helps you in the future.