We wanted to bring this illustration out from the Muzzle Blasts Magazine archives. Commissioned in 2015, we’d like to thank Larry Small for illustrating this great diagram.
How to load a Muzzleloader
Make sure the bore is dry by using a ramrod with a cleaning jig and a clean, dry patch.
With the hammer down for safety, clean the frozen, pan, and flint (watch out for the sharp edges of the flint). Be sure the flash hole is clear of obstruction by inserting a vent pick, paper clip, or pipe cleaner. Load a flintlock with the frizzen and hammer all the way forward.
For a percussion firearm, inspec the nipple for obstruction by using a nipple pick or paper clip. With an unloaded firearm, snap a cap or two. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
Pour the powder from a powder horn or flash into a measure. For safety, never pour powder directly into the bore from a horn or flask.
Pour the measured powder charge down the bore. Avoid placing your hands or face directly over the muzzle.
Center a lubricated or moistened patch over the bore and place the lead ball onto the patch.
With the short end of a short starter, set the patched ball into the bore. Use the Pam of your hand to press the ball into the muzzle.
Push the ball deeper with the long end of the short starter by using the palm of your hand.
Firmly seat the load against the powder charge by using short strokes with your ramrod. NEVER fire a muzzleloader if the ball is not firmly seated on the powder charge.
Use a pencil to make a reference mark on your ramrod when the lead ball is correctly loaded.
Remove the ramrod and store it under the barrel.
For a flintlock, fill the pan 1/4 to 1/3 full of priming powder, place the hammer into the half- cock position, and close the frizzen. When ready to shoot, bring the hammer into full cock position.
For a percussion muzzleloader, bring the hammer into the half-cock position and place a cap firmly onto the nipple. When ready to shoot, place the hammer at full cock.
Be certain of your target and what lies beyond. Aim and fire.
Run a damp cleaning patch down the bore and begin the process again, no need to repeat step #9