Muzzleloader Help

Muzzleloaders

This page should help the beginner learn to use his or her muzzleloader, and teach the basics that any muzzleloader user should know. Because I have only dealt with sidelocks, I will only deal with them on this page.

1. Make sure, even if the muzzleloader is new, that there are no obstructions in the barrel. Shine a light down the barrel, and you should be able to see down the entire length of the barrel.

Loading your Muzzleloader

2. Using a measurer, carefully measure a safe amount of powder to load into the gun. For beginners, start light, at say 75 grains, and move up from there.

3. Pour the powder into the barrel of your muzzleloader, from the muzzle, and be sure to get it all into the barrel.

4. If you're not using a saboted bullet ( a bullet with a plastic sleeve over it), put a cloth in behind the bullet to act as the wadding. Pre-lubcricated waddings can be found at most sporting goods stores.

5. Insert the bullet (if you're using a wadding, spread it over the muzzle; place the bullet on top of the wadding, and push the bullet down the barrel; it should take the wadding in with it), and use a bullet-starting tool to push it a couple of inches into the barrel.

6. Insert the ramrod into the barrel, and push the bullet down firmly down the barrel. When you feel it push against the powder, your job is done. Now, all you have to do is place a cap on the nipple(not until you're ready to shoot, or, if you're hunting, not until you get settled in your tree), pull the hammer back, and shoot!

CAUTION!!!

When shooting muzzleloaders, one must practice great caution. Misfires are somewhat common, and if not approached carefully, can be dangerous, and even deadly. If, in the course of shooting your muzzleloader, the cap ignites but the gun fails to fire, KEEP THE GUN SHOULDERED! The powder could go through a delayed ignition, in which case it may take it several seconds to fire. Count to at least 10 following the misfire before removing the gun from your shoulder, and keep it pointed downrange at all times. If it does not go through with delayed ignition, apply a new percussion cap and attempt to fire again. Failure to fire again indicates either a plugged nipple or damp or innefective powder.

What You Can Do: Remove the nipple, and see if it is clear. If it is, try one more thing: Place a small amount of powder inside of it, apply another percussion cap, and again attempt to fire. If again the gun fails to fire, the problem is surely the powder. If the nipple is plugged, use a needle, or something along those lines, to clean it out. Poor powder means that you will have to use an attachment that goes on the end of the ramrod to drill into the bullet, and remove the bullet from the barrel. Afterwards, simply pour the powder out, coaxing and loosening it if necessary.

Make sure that you clean your muzzleloader after each firing session, and try to never keep the gun loaded for an extended period of time (more than a couple of days). Doing so can result in damage to the firing mechanism, failure to fire due to damaged powder, or accidental misfires.

Helpful Tips for Better Hunting/Shooting

When hunting or shooting in the rain, cover the muzzle with plastic-wrap. Also, make sure that you keep the percussion cap sheltered, and replace it frequently.

All muzzleloaders shoot differently, so don't be discouraged if yours doesn't seem to shoot well at first. Experiment with different powders, powder loads, and bullets/sabots, and you will most likely see a vast improvement in your gun's performance.

For easier reloading, carry some type of reloading aid. Many companies make containers that will hold a projectile in one end, and a powder load in the other. Carry a few of these-you never know how many times you'll need to shoot or reload.

Probably the biggest enemy to accuracy, especially in the muzzleloading world, is fear of the gun. Respect the firearm, but don't be intimidated by it. These guns generally have very mild recoil (at least amongst .50s and below), so have fun shooting them!