How to Load an Inline Muzzleloader with Loose Black Powder - Muzzle-Loaders.com

If you are new to muzzleloading and wondering how to properly load your muzzleloader with loose powder, this is the perfect article for you. Today we will show you step-by-step instructions to properly load your muzzleloader so you can be safe, efficient, and accurate when you are out at the range or in the field.

Ensure Your Muzzleloader Barrel Is Clear

The first thing you will want to do is ensure that your muzzleloader is unloaded. You can do this by unscrewing your breech plug from the barrel. After you have taken the breech plug out, you will want to look through the barrel from the breech end. Make sure there aren't any obstructions in the barrel and that you can see all the way through it. After you have done this, you are now ready to load your powder into the barrel.

Loading Powder

After making sure that your muzzleloader is unloaded, you can now load your powder. The amount of powder you use will depend on what muzzleloader you are using; it is also extremely important to stay within the manufacturer's instructions for the amount of powder you are using.

After you have measured a safe amount of powder (reference the owner's manual), you will take your charge and pour it down the barrel. You can pour directly from the brass powder measure itself, you can use charge tubes, or other speed loader devices like the Cedar Mountain Quick Loader, which features a built-in straw that allows the powder to pour directly into the barrel.

Once all of your powder has been poured down the barrel, you can tap your muzzleloader barrel to make sure the powder makes it down to the breech plug and is as level as possible.

 

Loading Bullet

After you have the powder loaded, you are now ready to load your bullet. Make sure that the bullet you are loading matches the caliber of your rifle. For instance, if you are using a .50 caliber muzzleloader, you will want to make sure you are using a .50 caliber projectile.

Once you have verified you are using the correct bullet, you can now load it. We recommend setting the bullet into the crown of the muzzleloader. Once it’s sitting in the crown of the muzzle, you can use your bullet starter to get the bullet pushed down the barrel the first few inches. After this, you will want to use either the ramrod on your muzzleloader or a separate range rod to push the bullet down on top of the powder charge. This is where you will want to score your ramrod if you haven’t already. This can be done by marking the ramrod with a sharp object or a permanent marker. This ensures you are loading your bullet to the same depth every time, which helps ensure safety and accuracy.

Inserting Primer

Once you have loaded the powder and bullet, you are now ready to prime your muzzleloader. Whether you are using a musket cap, 209 primer, or VariFlame, the process is the same. You will insert the cap or primer into the primer pocket on the breech plug and close the action on your muzzleloader. Your muzzleloader is now loaded and ready for use.

Wrap Up

If you have additional questions or want more information on how to load your muzzleloader using loose black powder, please feel free to reach out to our customer service team by phone at 855-236-5000 or by email at sales@muzzle-loaders.com, and we'd be happy to assist you.

***Ensure the muzzleloader is unloaded before loading. Never lean over or stand in front of the muzzle at any time. Always ensure the projectile is firmly seated against the powder charge when loading.