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Just thought to post some safety tips ... Feel free to add any. 
How to check if your Muzzle loader is loaded.
1. Check for priming powder in the pan or a percussion cap on the tube ( nipple )
2. Slowly run the ram rod down the bore ... if you hear a "metallic" ring or if the ram rod goes down the bore to almost the end of the rod , then you have a unloaded gun.
If you have a failure to fire with your gun wait at least 30 seconds to see if you have a hang fire.
On guns with a set trigger , check the set screw from time to time , to see if it has loosened , this can cause a super light trigger pull.
If you have traveled with a loaded gun ... before shooting check to see if the load is still at the breech.
To do this run your ram rod down the bore and "tamp" down the load.
Scribe a line around your ram rod ( at the muzzle ) to show how far your ram rod extends out the bore , when the ram rod is against a full load.
This is a quick way to see if your rifle is loaded or if you "dry balled" ( loaded without powder )
Be sure to replace your powder horn plug and return your ram rod back under the gun , before shooting.
When loading , it is helpful to say to yourself : "Powder , Patch , Ball."
This is helpful when folks want to talk to you while you are shooting or loading.
It is easy to miss a step when distracted.
No smoking while shooting black powder.
Always put the cap back on the powder can ... And never shoot over a powder can.
If during hunting season you store your gun loaded , be sure to remove the cap or priming and mark your gun as loaded.
I like to use a red piece of cloth over the nipple , in the pan or run between the ramrod and barrel near the muzzle as a marker.
If the ground is treacherous while hunting , it is a good idea to unprime or decap your gun.
While hunting I like to use bear grease or deer tallow as a lube.
Crisco , T/C bore butter , bees wax , wonder lube all work as well.
Using spit as a patch lube , like I do , on the range when I am going to shoot right away is fine ... But when hunting , it can cause a rusty bore.
Only load and fire lead round balls or conical bullets out of your muzzle loader.
Forgot the "Hollywood" idea of loading rocks , chain , nails , tacks , ram rods etc ...
Your gun was not designed to fire such items ... damage to your gun or you may result.
Just a few here ... again feel free to add more and Happy Shooting!
Andy
How to check if your Muzzle loader is loaded.
1. Check for priming powder in the pan or a percussion cap on the tube ( nipple )
2. Slowly run the ram rod down the bore ... if you hear a "metallic" ring or if the ram rod goes down the bore to almost the end of the rod , then you have a unloaded gun.
If you have a failure to fire with your gun wait at least 30 seconds to see if you have a hang fire.
On guns with a set trigger , check the set screw from time to time , to see if it has loosened , this can cause a super light trigger pull.
If you have traveled with a loaded gun ... before shooting check to see if the load is still at the breech.
To do this run your ram rod down the bore and "tamp" down the load.
Scribe a line around your ram rod ( at the muzzle ) to show how far your ram rod extends out the bore , when the ram rod is against a full load.
This is a quick way to see if your rifle is loaded or if you "dry balled" ( loaded without powder )
Be sure to replace your powder horn plug and return your ram rod back under the gun , before shooting.
When loading , it is helpful to say to yourself : "Powder , Patch , Ball."
This is helpful when folks want to talk to you while you are shooting or loading.
It is easy to miss a step when distracted.
No smoking while shooting black powder.
Always put the cap back on the powder can ... And never shoot over a powder can.
If during hunting season you store your gun loaded , be sure to remove the cap or priming and mark your gun as loaded.
I like to use a red piece of cloth over the nipple , in the pan or run between the ramrod and barrel near the muzzle as a marker.
If the ground is treacherous while hunting , it is a good idea to unprime or decap your gun.
While hunting I like to use bear grease or deer tallow as a lube.
Crisco , T/C bore butter , bees wax , wonder lube all work as well.
Using spit as a patch lube , like I do , on the range when I am going to shoot right away is fine ... But when hunting , it can cause a rusty bore.
Only load and fire lead round balls or conical bullets out of your muzzle loader.
Forgot the "Hollywood" idea of loading rocks , chain , nails , tacks , ram rods etc ...
Your gun was not designed to fire such items ... damage to your gun or you may result.
Just a few here ... again feel free to add more and Happy Shooting!
Andy
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