Parts
What is the only safety device when using a muzzleloader?
The user.
2 types of muzzleloaders that are no longer used today
Matchlock and wheel lock
The 2 current types of muzzleloaders available today
flintlock & percussion/caplock
Where should the muzzle never be pointed?
At anything you don't intend to shoot.
Black powder is a mixture of
sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate that is ground into particles graded on granule size.
What types of rounds can a muzzleloading rifle fire?
patched balls, mini balls, or a variety of newer flat-based bullets
England in 1242 AD by Roger Bacon
What should a flintlock shooter carry as spare items?
Spare flint tools to sharpen and adjust flints in the field.
Define MAT
Muzzle - always pointed down range or in a safe direction.
Action - open and clear
Trigger - finger off trigger until ready to fire.
Explain single Fg powder and what it is used for.
Single Fg or Fg is the coarsest powder and is used in 10gu shotguns or larger.
What is a smooth-bored arm used with either a single projectile or a shot charge? They often have larger bores of .69 caliber or larger.
Musket
When did flintlock arms become the most common of black powder arms?
17th Century
What should you carry as spare for a caplock/percussion arm?
Spare percussion caps, spare nipple and wrench and/or pick for adjusting and cleaning.
Why is it especially important to wear safety glasses when during a muzzleloader?
Muzzleloading arms vent gases through the nipple or flash hole. Additionally, chips of flint, steel filings or bits of the percussion cap may be ejected during firing.
Explain Double Fg (FFg) powder and what it is used for.
Double Fg or FFg powder is finer and used in 12gu or smaller shotguns and .50 caliber rifles or larger.
Powder should never be poured from the storage container directly into the bore. What must be done?
The appropriate amount of powder should be measured into a horn, brass or non-sparking container then poured into the bore.
When was the caplock arm invented?
1820
Explain the difference between a misfire and a hangfire.
Misfire: when the main charge fails to fire and may or may not involve the detonation of the cap.
Hangfire: delayed ignition of the main charge.
How would you determine if a muzzleloader is safe and unloaded?
Inserting a ramrod into the bore and ensuring it reaches the indicator/mark that signifies it is empty. If it does not, the muzzleloader is considered loaded.
Explain Triple Fg (FFFg) powder and what it is used for.
Triple Fg or FFFg powder is even finer powder and used in pistols and rifles under .50 caliber and burns faster than FFg.
What is the frizzen?
the pivoted metal upright of the action of a flintlock against which the flint strikes upon firing
How were the first black powder arms fired?
By inserting a glowing wire into a touch hole to ignite the powder.
What are the sizes of black powder granules and which arms are they used for?
Single Fg or Fg is the coarsest powder and is used in 10gu shotguns or larger.
Double Fg or FFg powder is finer and used in 12gu or smaller shotguns and .50 caliber rifles or larger.
Triple Fg or FFFg powder is even finer powder and used in pistols and rifles under .50 caliber and burns faster than FFg.
FFFFg is the finest powder and is never used as a main charge as it is very dangerous. Is primarily used as priming or pan powder for flintlock arms.
How long should the muzzleloader be pointed downrange when it fails to fire and what should the shooter be doing?
2 minutes and the shooter should be ready for the arm to fire at any time.
Explain FFFFg powder and what it is used for.
FFFFg is the finest powder and is never used as a main charge as it is very dangerous. Is primarily used as priming or pan powder for flintlock arms.