8.9 Muzzleloading Safety Rules

Keep these safety tips in mind whenever you use muzzleloading firearms.

• Use only black powder or a black powder substitute in muzzleloading firearms. Select the right powder for your muzzleloading firearm!
• Store black powder and black powder substitutes away from heat, sparks, and static electricity.
• Store percussion caps and powder separately and in a cool, dry place.
• Use a marked ramrod to see if a muzzleloader is loaded. Never look into the barrel!
• Never pour black powder or a black powder substitute directly into a muzzleloader from a flask or powder horn or can. Always use a powder measure.
• Be sure to seat the ball, bullet, or wad and shot directly on top of the powder charge. A gap between the projectile(s) and the powder charge could damage the firearm and injure the shooter and bystanders!
• Have a qualified gunsmith inspect older/antique muzzleloading firearms before using them.
• Do not fire Damascus-barreled shotguns unless they have been inspected. If they are safe to use, load them only with black powder or a black powder substitute.