How to Load a Muzzleloader
By Gary Lewis
How to Load a Muzzleloader
Here is how to load and shoot a traditional-styled percussion gun with a blackpowder substitute powder and a pre-lubed conical bullet.
Before you load any muzzleloader, confirm it is not loaded already. Centerfire rifles and shotguns are easily checked by opening the breech. With a muzzleloader, you must use the ramrod. Insert the ramrod in the barrel. Compare the length of the ramrod with the length of the barrel and the breech.
First Shot Thru a New or Used Rifle
When you’re completely sure the barrel is unloaded, follow these steps:
1. Make sure the rifle is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction.
2. Fire one cap to make sure the nipple orifice is open and your hammer will fully strike the cap.
3. Drop a pre-measured charge down the barrel. A suggested load for a rifle would be 90 grains of Pyrodex or Triple Seven. With the palm of your hand, rap the breech of the gun to settle the powder.
4. Start a pre-lubed bullet by mounting it in the barrel crown, using the pressure of your thumb to get it started. Use a bullet starter to push the bullet down the barrel a few inches.
5. Use the ramrod to seat the bullet against the powder charge.
Note: When the rifle is loaded with a full powder charge and a bullet, put the rod back in the barrel and make a mark on the ramrod at the muzzle end. This indicator is called a witness mark. As a safety precaution, note the position of the witness mark when loading the gun each time.
6. To make the gun ready to fire, ear the hammer back to half-cock and put a cap on the nipple.
7. To fire, bring the hammer to full cock and touch finger to trigger.
