Muzzleloading Safety
Muzzleloading Safety
Do's and Don'ts
Important Cautions for the Muzzleloader
DO
Read and understand your instruction manual. If you didn't get one with your muzzleloader, order one from the manufacturer. They will send you one for free. Many companies now have a web site and online manuals are common.
DO
Seek instruction from a qualified instructor. Your shooting club can help you.
DO
Always wear shatterproof shooting glasses and ear protection, as both percussion and flintlock guns may shower sparks and bits of caps/flints when fired. Pre-1840's style round lensed safety glasses are available from several suppliers.
DO
Use genuine black powder of the proper size granulation or a black powder substitute such as Pyrodex or Clear Shot only. (Never use smokeless powder in a muzzleloader!)
DO
Treat a misfire or failure to fire as though the gun can fire at any second. Wait at least a minute with gun pointed at the target.
DO
Handle a muzzleloader with the same respect due all other firearms.
DO
Be sure all spectators are completely behind you when firing. Flames and bits of caps/flint sometimes exit from the side of the gun. It is good shooting etiquette to warn other shooters that you are about to fire a flint lock next to them.
DON'T
Never fire a muzzleloader unless the ball is firmly seated against the powder charge. Firing a muzzleloader with the ball off the powder or part way up the barrel may cause serious damage to the firearm and possibly serious injury to the shooter.
DON'T
Do not exceed manufacturer's recommended maximum powder charge. The proper charge for a muzzleloading firearm is an efficient load which provides consistent ignition, consistent velocity and yields a chamber pressure which is well below maximum safe levels.
DON'T
Never use FFFFg black powder for a charge in any muzzleloader at any time. The only safe use for fine priming powder is for the priming of a pan on a flint lock. Fine powders will cause excessive pressures and could very well burst your barrel.
DON'T
Never lean over (or stand in front of) the muzzle at any time.
DON'T
Never attempt to shoot out a projectile which is not firmly seated against the powder charge. The ball and powder charge should be removed. Begin by placing a small amount of bore cleaner through the nipple or clean-out screw hole. Thoroughly soak powder. Using a ball puller, screw directly into the ball. Once the ball puller is anchored into the ball, it can be pulled out of the bore. Dump out the powder charge.
DON'T
Never smoke while loading, shooting or handling black powder. Always follow manufacturer's safety precautions, as listed on its container. All it takes is one spark and it could spell disaster.
DON'T
Never drink alcohol and shoot. It will not be tolerated at any time at our events. If you desire to drink...stay far away from your guns and the firing line on the range.
DON'T
Do not pour a powder charge directly from a horn or flask. If a smoldering ember is present, it could ignite the powder in the larger container, as well as the powder charge, as it is poured into the barrel. This excessive amount of black powder could cause a dangerous explosion possibly causing a serious injury to your self and bystanders. Therefore, be safety minded, use a graduated powder measure or other small measuring device.
DON'T
Never blow into your barrel at any time! It is not allowed at our events. The practice of blowing down a barrel between shots may cause a flash of unburned powder that can burn you! Remember this.
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