10 Tips for Muzzleloader Safety

Muzzleloader hunting is one of my true loves in life. Unfortunately and incorrectly, blackpowder and muzzleloaders have a reputation among some of being unsafe. This is simply untrue. Like everything else in life it is up to the human running the machine to assure that it is safe. A muzzleloader or a can of blackpowder has never taken any action by itself. Here are 10 safety tips to keep in mind when using a blackpowder firearm.

As with every firearm, the most basic rule is to never point the barrel of a firearm at anything you don't want to shoot. Though a muzzleloader must be pointed toward yourself to load and clean, you should never place your face over the barrel.

Use safe loads in your muzzleloader. If you don't know what a safe load is then find out. The firearms manufacturer will be glad to give you information. An experienced gunsmith can provide this as well. Safe load information must include both how much and what kind.

Never use any blackpowder or its substitutes in a muzzleloader that you are uncertain of. Even the difference between 2F and 3F blackpowder can make a safe charge unsafe. If you are uncertain what it is then get rid of it.

One unique characteristic of muzzleloaders is the hang fire. A hang fire is when the priming system goes off but the main charge does not. When this happens keep a hold of the gun for about 10 seconds and at no time point it in an unsafe direction. Deal with hang fires from the breech end only. Bullet pullers should only be used when you are certain you placed a bullet into the barrel without powder, even then it is often easier to work powder behind it and shoot it out.

Probably the one part of a muzzleloader that is most likely to cause injury is the nipple on a percussion muzzleloader. Shooters need to be certain that the nipple is secure before firing the gun. Nipples that are worn or corroded need to be replaced.

Smoking and blackpowder do not mix. This should be obvious.

Clean the barrel between shots or blow down it (using a flexible tube) to assure that any spark in the barrel is extinguished. Only pour powder down the barrel from a measure with the barrel tilted as far away from you as possible.

Mark your ramrod for quick reference to know if the muzzleloader is loaded or unloaded.

Have an experienced muzzleloader shooter or instructor teach you to shoot the gun. Manuals are great but are no replacement for someone to look over your shoulder and help you out.

Shooting glasses are great for muzzleloaders. Even if everything works properly the glasses will help keep smoke out of your eyes. Glasses also give confidence to the inexperienced shooter especially when firing a flintlock.

Gather information on safely using your muzzleloader and use common sense. Muzzleloading can and should be a safe and fun source of recreation.