Shooting a muzzle-loading rifle is a unique experience for a connoisseur of weapons, which no modern, precision or mass-produced rifle can match. Holding, loading and firing with this pinnacle of human engineering trees will bring back to life legendary heroes and villains such as Blackbeard, Davy Crockett, Captain Kidd and Daniel Boone. See step 1 for more instructions.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Choosing the Shots and the Dust
Step 1. Distinguish stone, wheel and percussion rifles
There are three different types of muzzleloading rifles so make sure you choose the appropriate ammo, powder and loading method for each one.
- The traditional one is the stone shotgun. It features a more complex but authentic firing mechanism and a longer rifling that refers to the time it takes for the bullet to rotate in the barrel. Rifling affects the accuracy of the rifle. Shotguns with a longer rifling are generally more accurate when used with shots called "buffalo", which feature a traditional lead shot with a more modern shape. Stone shotguns require a complex loading procedure, placing a piece of flint in the hammer that strikes into the basin (flintlock) that opens, letting sparks fall. This operation is described below
- Wheel Shotguns have a side firing pin similar to the stone shotgun and loads in much the same way, but has a pre-loaded capsule for more modern firing. If you are not a very experienced firearms enthusiast, it is recommended that you use this method and become familiar with the muzzleloading mechanisms before trying to shoot.
- Percussion rifles are more modern, stylistically between an old gunpowder rifle and a modern smokeless powder one. They have a shorter rifling and are more precise and easier to load than traditional ones and have the capsule in the firing pin.
Step 2. Choose a suitable powder for your shotgun
Traditional gunpowder can be used in any variety, although there are some more modern pellet types. These types are calibrated in compact pellets which can be poured into the barrel for loading.
Traditional gunpowder tends to cause the barrel to rust if not cleaned regularly and efficiently. It also absorbs moisture, making it flammable. In the beginning, consider using pellet powder to get used to the shotgun and how it shoots
Step 3. Choose appropriate ammo
At first, it can be a little difficult to figure out which ammo is most efficient and accurate for your shotgun. By becoming familiar with the way you fire your shotgun and trying out different types of shots, you will be able to better choose the ammunition that suits you.
- Traditional shot is made of pure lead and designed to work with pieces of cloth. If you want to shoot the old way the pioneers shot, these are the ammo for you. For hunting, you might choose something different.
- The conical shots are bullet-shaped. They tend to be a little lighter, more accurate, and come in various sizes, depending on the internal diameter of the rifle.
- The "Sabot" is a small device in the shape of a shoe or sleeve used to better fit the bullet inside the rifle. Use the sabot to use smaller, lighter bullets or in a wider barrel to increase accuracy. If you plan to go hunting, use a sabot and shots of the right size with your muzzle loader to increase accuracy. {Ut1
Step 4. Get some patches, cotton wool and lubricant
Most ammunition comes with pieces of batting used to better accommodate the shot with the powder. Usually if he puts a piece of cloth or paper behind the bullet to seal the caliber, or behind it to prevent the shot from rolling out of the barrel when aiming the shotgun forward.
- One of the best ways to do this is to use pillow pieces that you can easily find in haberdashery. If you can't find it, use some paper tissues.
- The lubricant is used to reduce friction and make the weapon work better. In rifles with rifles, lubricate the barrel and wadding after each shot to facilitate loading along the rifling.
Step 5. Get the capsules and fern
Depending on the type of shotgun you have, you will also need pods to unload the shotgun, or flint for stone shotguns, to hit the powder in the basin.
- The most common percussion capsules are the number 11, which have now been on the market for more than a hundred years.
- Musket caps are very powerful and very popular with hunters.
Part 2 of 4: Loading a wheel or percussion muzzleloader
Step 1. Check the barrel
Make sure the gun is not loaded by placing the brush in the barrel and measuring the distance it reaches. He will have to travel the entire distance until he reaches the hole in the cup. Use the wand to clean the barrel of gunpowder residues, dirt or accumulated dust.
While loading, aim it at the sky and always avoid putting your face in contact with the barrel, even while loading
Step 2. Lubricate the barrel
Most muzzle-loading guns are sold with a pad (to lubricate the rifle) along with the wand. Put the lube in the barrel. Do not put too much as it could end up in the hole and prevent it from igniting. A small dose is enough, no more than the amount of sunscreen you would put on your face
Step 3. Measure the powder
Pour the gunpowder from your horn or flask into the measuring cup filling it to the right point, then pour the powder into the gun.
Tap along the side of the shotgun a couple of times with your hand to settle the powder
Step 4. Load the shots
Use the short side of the shotgun to push the bullets into the barrel. Don't force it. When you get to the end of the short side of the centillinator, take it out and use the long side to push the ammo further down. {Ut1
- Use the brush to accommodate the bullet well on the loaded powder. Make a quick but firm move, not like you see in old civil war movies. There is a mark on the brush that will let you know when the bullets are in place. When that mark lines up with the end of the barrel, the shot is in perfect position.
- It is important to make sure that the bullet is in the right position without leaving any gaps between the powder and the bullet itself.
Step 5. Load the percussion capsules
Point the weapon in a safe direction and use the centillinator to accommodate the capsules on the nipple. Make sure the safety is engaged, if your shotgun has one, or if you're using a side-safe shotgun, charge the hammer halfway.
Part 3 of 4: Loading a Stone Shotgun
Step 1. Put the flint in the dog Place the dog in half
If there is still no flint, use a screwdriver or metal rod to loosen the screw that holds the hammer upper jaw. Use a piece of leather of the right size to wrap the flint by folding it in the back. Put the flint with the leather in the jaws of the dog so as to position the pointed end towards the pelvis, tightening the screw tightly. {Ut1
Step 2. Fully charge the dog
Close the handle (the part that covers the cup) and try to shoot by pulling the trigger. Make sure the shot produces sparks that go into the basin.
If not, remove the fern and arrange it again. Make sure everything is well prepared and running. Do not rush
Step 3. Measure the powder
Loosen the screw of the measuring cup along the side. Bring the end of the measuring cup back into the line that marks the amount of powder needed for your shotgun type and tighten the screw.
Ask at the armory what the exact amount of powder is for your weapon
Step 4. Put the powder in the barrel
Raise the muzzle of the gun so that the barrel is perpendicular to the ground. Level the top of the measuring cup and pour the powder into the barrel. Tap the barrel along the side a few times with the palm of your hand to make sure the dust falls all the way down.
Step 5. Load the weapon
Put a lubricated patch at the end of the barrel. The patch must be wider than the ball and must wrap around it. Press the patch-wrapped pellet along the barrel using the short side of the centillinator.
-
Then continue to slide the pellet along the barrel, using the long side of the centillinator. Use the blunt end of the wand to slide the pellet into the end of the barrel, making it sit on top of the powder. Do it with a firm motion, don't hit the weapon inside like you see in the movies.
Load and Fire a Muzzleloader Step 19
Step 6. Fill the basin
After placing the pellet, remove the brush and place the shotgun on your legs. Fill the brass powder dispenser with FFFF powder used for stone shotguns. Do this by unscrewing the screw behind the dispenser and pouring the powder until it is 3/4 full.
-
Half-arm the dog. If the handle (covering the cup) is not yet open, open it and insert the powder dispenser by pushing it against the bottom of the bowl to release the dust.
Load and Fire a Muzzleloader Step 25 - Fill it by tilting the gun a little so that the powder enters the hole in the basin completely. When the basin is full, close it tightly. Your weapon is now loaded and ready to fire.
Part 4 of 4: Shooting with a muzzle loader
Step 1. Place the gun handle firmly against your shoulder
Arm the dog and aim at the target. Make sure no one is standing in front of the cup hole. Sparks will spread, so make sure the area is clear.
Always wear appropriate protective gear before firing a muzzle-loading weapon. It is noisy. Train safely
Step 2. Aim
Look along the barrel through the sights. When all three sights are aligned vertically and horizontally on the target, take a deep breath and hold it.
Some of these weapons don't have good sights. If you want, you can upgrade your old shotgun by fitting modern sights. It is highly recommended that you do this if you plan to go hunting
Step 3. Release the safety and pull the trigger
Always hold the shotgun in place, waiting for the smoke to clear (there will be a lot of it) before moving around and looking at the target.
In a stone gun, the flint will slam down, scratching the inside of the handle, knocking over the open basin, causing sparks to fall into the dust of the open basin. The powder will ignite, making a blaze that passes through the hole in the basin, activating the main charge
Advice
If you want to load many shots at the same time, follow the loading procedure in the same way but instead of a pellet, put a piece of paper, then pour the desired number of pellets, then the second piece of paper that prevents them from rolling out of the barrel
Warnings
- Make sure these weapons are legal in the area you live in. Some areas prohibit the use of pistols but allow the use of muskets and rifles.
- Treat flintlock shotguns with the same respect you would give to any firearm. While they look like old-fashioned toys, they are capable of blowing your minds off you and your friends. Some of these rifles are more powerful than modern ones. Never aim where you don't want to shoot.
- Store gunpowder in metal containers or a horn, but NEVER in large quantities. If you need to store a lot, build a warehouse away from your home.
