In heavy freezing-rain type conditions, which I will admit are rare but I have spent the day hunting in them... wouldn't a muzzle-taper have to worry about water getting in the bore from the breech end, being prevented from escaping by the tape, and freezing into a "plug"?
Uh No. The breech end is pretty well sealed by the bolt and chambered round......................DJ
Remember this is all supposed to be for fun.......................
