HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 03 - RIFLES 101

LOADING A BOLT ACTION RIFLE

Follow these steps to safely load your bolt action rifle:

Illustration of a hunter's hands holding a bolt action rifle on its side with the action open.

STEP 1: CHECK IT YOURSELF to make sure it’s unloaded and safe to handle.

Illustration of a hunter's hands turning on a bolt action rifle's safety.

STEP 2: Turn the safety ‘ON’ (if it can be engaged during the loading process).

Illustration of a hunter's finger checking the chamber for obstructions.

STEP 3: Clear the chamber and bore of any obstructions (clean, if needed).

Illustration of a hunter's hands holding a bolt action rifle with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

STEP 4: Point the firearm in a safe direction.

Illustration of a hunter's hands keeping off a bolt action rifle's trigger.

STEP 5: Make sure that nothing touches the trigger throughout the loading process.

Illustration of a bolt action rifle with the action open and highlighted in orange.

STEP 6: Open the action by pulling the bolt handle up, and back towards you.

Illustration of a bolt action rifle with a close up of its data stamp and the matching cartridges head stamp.

STEP 7: Place the correct ammunition into the magazine by matching the data stamp on the firearm with the head stamp on the cartridge or ammunition box.

Illustration of the inside of a loaded bolt action rifle with the action closed.

STEP 8: Close the action by moving the bolt handle (typically forward and then downward). This will feed and lock a cartridge into the chamber.

Illustration of a bolt action rifle with the safety on.

STEP 9: Turn the safety on, unless you are immediately prepared to fire.

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HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 03 - RIFLES 101

LOADING A BOLT ACTION RIFLE

Follow these steps to safely load your bolt action rifle:

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