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Muzzleloader Rifle Safety (Video Included)

Wade's World Hunting: Safety must be the first consideration when using any firearm and a muzzleloader rifle is no exception. Standard rules of firearm safety apply. Never point your firearm’s muzzle in an unsafe direction; never shoot unless you’re sure of a safe background; always keep the safety on until you’re ready to shoot; always wear eye/ear protection when appropriate; etc.

However, because of their uniqueness, muzzleloaders require additional, special caution.  Here are rules all muzzleloader rifle hunters must follow to ensure their safety and that of their hunting companions.

• Never cap a muzzleloader until you’re on stand and ready to hunt. Always leave a muzzleloader uncapped when climbing/descending a stand, crossing a fence or a gully, etc.
• When loading, make sure the charge is firmly seated in the breech. Use a pre-set mark on the ramrod to determine that charge is properly set.
• Use only powder that’s certified by the muzzleloader’s manufacturer.
• When firing, if proper ignition is not achieved, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Delayed ignition may occur.
• Don’t use lubricants when loading with sabots/bullets.
• Never store a loaded muzzleloader for extended periods.