HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Muzzleloaders require you to handle black powder—this steepens the safety risks of firearm handling. Black powder is highly explosive and can be easily ignited by heat, friction, static electricity or even by a sharp blow. It must be stored and handled with extreme care.

Loading a muzzleloader puts you on the receiving end of a firearm barrel—a dangerous place to be. You need to be confident handling your muzzleloader. If you’re interested in muzzleloaders, we strongly recommend that you seek additional training from a muzzleloader specialist and go hunting with an experienced muzzleloader hunter your first time out.