HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base
Module 06 - MUZZLELOADERS 101
LOADING A MUZZLELOADER
Follow these steps to safely load your muzzleloader:
STEP 1: Pour the pre-measured powder into the barrel. NEVER pour the powder directly from the flask because the metal could cause a spark and ignite the powder. Lightly tap the barrel to drop any clinging powder down into the breech.
STEP 2:
When loading a bullet or ball:
- Position a lubricated wad over the bore and seat the ball on the wad.
- Insert an over-powder wad down the barrel as a gas seal. Drop your pre-measured charge or shot into the barrel and then place an overshot wad over the shot to keep it in place (like making a sandwich).
STEP 3: Using your long ramrod, push the ball down the bore and apply steady pressure.
STEP 4: Firmly seat the ball against the powder charge. Don’t leave any space.
STEP 5: Fill the flash pan with pre-measured powder.
STEP 6: For flintlock muzzleloaders, close the frizzen. For caplock muzzleloaders, place the percussion cap on the nipple.
Wise Words: Take a Lesson From Elmer Fudd
Don’t forget to remove the ramrod from the barrel before you fire a muzzleloader! If accidentally left in, you’ll probably ruin the ramrod, you could injure somebody and you’ll definitely look foolish.
