How to Shoot a Modern Muzzleloader

Hunters are shooting the modern muzzleloader in ever increasing numbers, thanks in large part to special hunting seasons where muzzleloaders must be used exclusively. This was meant initially as a challenge to the skills of the hunter due to the fact that he would get but one shot at his prey. The rifle manufacturers, however, have made shooting the modern muzzleloader much simpler than it would have been traditionally. There are cleaner and more efficient black powder substitutes for one thing, and also much more accurate ammunition. It is still fun to imagine that one is shooting a rifle like Daniel Boone once did, however, even if modern technology has intruded upon the illusion.

Things You'll Need

• Muzzleloader
• Bore brush
• Gunpowder
• Projectile
• Ramrod

Instructions

1. Always clean the inside of your muzzleloader with a bore brush and a dry swab. The bore of your rifle must be free of the fouling caused by gunpowder igniting before you load to shoot.

2. Load gunpowder from the front end of the rifle barrel. In the days of the traditional muzzleloader, this meant loose "black powder" was poured in. Now there are black powder substitutes which ignite more easily and are cleaner to use. The most well-known is probably Pyrodex. Pyrodex now even comes in pellet form, making reloading much easier in the field.

3. Load your projectile next, also from the front of the barrel. Traditionally, this probably would have been a miniball and wadding. Now, in keeping with the theme of making things easier, you might well be loading what is known as a sabot. A sabot is basically a bullet in a plastic cup. The plastic cup seals in the explosive mixture it is sitting on top of and also spins off of the inside of the rifle barrel to provide much more accuracy than was previously available in a muzzleloader.

4. Ramrod the charge and the projectile down tight, again from the front end of the barrel. Modern muzzleloaders are for the most part "inline" firearms, and this means that the primer is sitting right behind the charge, not off to the side as it was traditionally.

5. Fire the muzzleloader, igniting the charge.

Tips & Warnings

• Use sabots for increased accuracy. When using ramrod to push down on projectile, use firm, steady action. Never use a jabbing-type motion.

• Make safety your No. 1 priority when in the field hunting.

Resources

• Muzzleloading Basics