Chapter 7: Advanced
Hunting Techniques
Muzzleloader Safety Tips
Muzzleloaders take a lot more knowledge to operate than modern firearms. They also present greater risks. Several rules need to be followed for safe operation.
- Keep the
muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Do not lean over or stand
in front of the muzzle.
- Use only black powder or a safe substitute,
such as Pyrodex®,
in a muzzleloading firearm.
- Don't use modern-day smokeless
powders, which could cause serious injury if used
in muzzleloaders.
- Wait
until you're ready to fire before you prime
or cap a muzzleloader.
- Wear ear protection to avoid hearing
loss.
- Wear shooting glasses; a long-sleeve shirt is also
advisable. Burning powder creates smoke and residue
that could get
into your eyes or irritate your skin.
- Never smoke while shooting or loading
or when near a powder horn or flask. Burning ashes can
ignite black
powder and
cause an explosion.
- Load a muzzleloader directly from
a calibrated powder measure—do
not load from a horn, flask, or other container.
A loose spark or glowing ember in the barrel can cause
the powder
to explode.
- Load only one charge at a time and load only from a calibrated
measure—using too much or too little powder may
cause damage or injury.
- Never blow down the barrel when reloading. You
may add enough oxygen to the residue from the last
shot to
ignite the powder.
- Use loading equipment made of brass, which does not create
sparks while loading.
- Do not cap or prime the pan until ready to fire,
which prevents accidental discharge if the cock/hammer
moves
and causes a spark or hits the cap.
- Stay with your charged muzzleloader at all times.
It's
difficult to tell if your muzzleloader has been
tampered with in your absence.
- Unload a muzzleloader before bringing it into your home,
camp, or vehicle. Powder may ignite in the barrel, causing
damage or injury.
Remember ... Never use modern smokeless powder in a muzzleloading firearm!
Modern powders could cause the firearm to explode, resulting
in serious injury or death.
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