How to Prime a Blackpowder Gun

To those new to blackpowder gun shooting there can be a steep learning curve. Though experience with modern firearms teaches many fundamentals of marksmanship it does little to prepare you for the mechanical knowledge of using a blackpowder gun. Prime your blackpowder gun by drying out the natural humidity in the barrel to allow the black powder to reliably ignite and propel your patched ball. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Place a percussion cap on the nipple housing and snap the hammer on two to three caps, allowing them to spark. This helps dry the nipple housing which is crucial because this is where the spark to ignite your blackpowder gun charge must originate.
2. Measure and pour in approximately 20 to 30 grains of black powder from an approved measuring device. You do not need to tamp it down with your ramrod.
3. Put a percussion on the nipple and snap the hammer forward. If the powder ignites skip the next step. If it fails to ignite you must attempt an alternative method to prime your blackpowder gun.
4. Remove the nipple with an official nipple wrench and pour in no more than ten grains of black powder. Carefully screw in the nipple housing and snap another percussion cap so that the powder inside the barrel ignites.
5. Repeat the process of pouring 20 to 30 grains in the muzzle of the blackpowder gun and snap another percussion cap until you hear a loud bang. This bang is needed to know the black powder gun is prime.
6. Load the blackpowder gun and begin your daily shooting activities.