BEGINNERS GUIDE TO BLACK POWDER GUNS
All about Black Powder Muzzleloader Guns
Welcome to the beginners guide of Black Powder Guns. Some people buy black
powder guns so they can add another level of excitement and uniqueness to
their shooting. Another reaons hunters decide to get a blackpowder gun is so
that they can extend their hunting season, or be able to increase their
opportunities to hunt. Many states have muzzleloader seasons or zones, where
only black powder guns can be used. These unique hunting opportunities are
typically later in the season, which is better hunting as big game are in the rut,
the weather is better (colder), and there has tyically been some rain and some
snow, making the woods more quiet, and the animals more active during the day. There are a lot less
hunters that hunt during Muzzleloader seasons than there are that hunt in the general rifle seasons.
Unless you are buying one of the high end old style replica guns, which can be very pricey, Black Powder
Guns are typically cheaper to shoot. The price of the gun is usually cheaper, and the ammunition is much
cheaper, on the average. Over the last several years we have had several ammo shortages, so having a
black powder gun protects you from these ammo shortages. Having better access to the bullets for black
powder guns makes this a good choice for preppers and survivalists.
Shooting a black powder gun is a whole different experience than shooting a regular rifle. For me, I like
to tinker with things, and customize them, and a black powder gun provides me with the ability to do
this. You can also do this with reloading your own bullets for regular guns, but I really enjoy what I can do
with a black powder gun. The smell, the feel, the sound, and the pure raw power of these guns, gives me
a whole new level of adrenaline flowing.
What You Need For Black Powder Shooting
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A Black Powder Gun
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Black Powder Gun Powder
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Bullets and Primers
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Black Powder Supplies and Accessories
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Gun Cleaning Supplies
A Black Powder Gun
If you're new to black powder shooting, a good, versatile caliber to start with is the popular .50 caliber
inline muzzleloading black powder rifle. This is a good choice if you are looking more for ease of use, and
not the nostalgia element of historic rifles. Inline rifles are a more modern style, and are much like the
regular rifles that most of us are used to shooting. Some of my top choices for black powder rifles are
shown below.
CVA Accura PR Muzzleloader Gun Combo
Includes Scope And TrueTimber Strata Stock - .50 Caliber The CVA® ACCURA® PR
(Plains Rifle) Muzzleloader features a 28", Bergara™ barrel. The barrel is made of
the highest quality 416 grade stainless steel. This fluted barrel is treated both inside
and out with a non-reflective, Nitride finish that will resist corrosion, and makes it
so the bore is easier to clean. This package includes a factory mounted Konus™ Pro
3-10x44 mm IR (Illuminated Reticle) scope. To top it off, the gun stock is set in
TrueTimber® Strata camo to break up the outline of the gun and make it more
invisible to game animals. It includes the CrushZone® recoil pad, which dampens
the recoil that you feel considerably. This muzzloader’s stock has a SoftTouch™
coating with rubber grip panels, to give you a solid hold, even in nasty weather. The
Accura PR features a Quick-Release Breech Plug (QRBP) that can be easily removed with your fingers for
ease of maintenance. The CVA's trigger guard actuated breeching lever makes the Accura PR a super
easy break action muzzleloader to operate. The gun can be disassembled by removing a single screw.
This muzzleloading black powder combo comes with a solid aluminum PalmSaver Ramrod, a Quake
Claw® Sling, a DuraSight® Dead-On® 1-piece scope mount, a factory mounted Konus Pro gun scope,
and a CVA soft gun case. Everything you need in one nicely matched gun package
Black Powder Gun Powder
Sounds easy, but there are a few things to consider when making your decision on which black powder
to buy. It’s important to buy the correct powder for the gun that you end up buying. If you are buying a
long gun (as opposed to a pistol), you will want FG or FFG black powder, or a powder substitute marked
for rifles and shotguns (RS). It’s critical to get the right powder, and not mix different powders together.
Common Black Powder Types
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FG - For large caliber rifles and small cannons.
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FFG - For most military rifles and larger black powder cartridges.
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FFFG - For handguns, shotguns and smaller caliber rifles.
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FFFFG - For priming powder for flintlocks, small handguns, blanks and pinfires.
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RS Black Powder Substitute - RS Stands for rifle or shotgun.
A lot of black powder gun owners use the black powder substitute powder, which
is cleaner to shoot, and less chance of fouling your gun. Pyrodex is a great black
powder substitute.
Black Powder Bullets and Primers
For your bullets, if you are looking for excellent accuracy, as well as easy loading, I would go with the
Hornady® MonoFlex® ML™ Muzzleloader Sabots. They have a .452" diameter monolithic solid projectile
that is made from solid copper alloy. They are topped with a polymer Flex Tip® that initiates expansion
at a wide range of impact velocities. This MonoFlex bullet expands to produce devastating wound to
knock down big game. Hornady's low drag sabot is easy to load, and has outstanding accuracy. MonoFlex
ML Muzzleloader Sabots will fly true and they pack a big punch to knock down big game. For your
primers, I would recommend the 209 primers, or shotshell primers.
Black Powder Gun Supplies and Accessories
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Black powder flask is used to store and dispense your powder for use.
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Black Powder Measurer is used to precisely measure your powder.
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Bullet Starter is used to start a bullet down the bore when it fits too tightly.
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Capper is used for priming your black powder gun.
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Nipple Pick is designed to clean out nipples and hard to reach areas in breech.
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Breech Plug Grease lubricant for your breech plug to keep everything greased up and working well.
Shop at Bass Pro Shops for your Black Powder Gun Supplies and Accessories.
Black Powder and Muzzleloader Gun Cleaning Supplies
Black Powder Gun Cleaning Kit It’s good to get a kit that will include the lubricant, bore brush, swab, pitch
patches, and solvent. Cleaning Patches
Ready to Shoot Your Black Powder Gun
That sounds like a lot, and it can be overwhelming at first. A lot of people do some research, get nervous
or frustrated, and push off buying a black powder gun to a later date. It really is simple, and fun. I
wanted to share this video on how to load and shoot a muzzleloading black powder gun. It is a great step
by step video that I hope will make you excited, and completely comfortable, to buy and use your first
black powder rifle. So please, take some time to watch the video, and when you begin working with your
own gun, whether it’s a black powder gun, or a regular firearm, always practice safe practices when
handling any firearm, bullets, or powder. Always be certain of your surroundings, what is between you
and your target, and what is beyond your target. Always keep your guns safely locked away and secure.
Last but not least, enjoy your new toy, and have fun!
About The Author
Mike Mendenhall is the the founder of Mendenhall Outdoors. This website is
an extension of the Mendenhall family’s lifestyle and passion for the great
outdoors. Everything that they learn, and experience, along the way that they
find may be valuable to our website visitors is on the site for you to enjoy. We
highlight products and services that you might find interesting. We frequently
receive free products from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our
decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. If you
click a link on this page, then go on to make a purchase, we might receive a commission – at no extra
cost to you, and does not impact the purchase price of any products that you may purchase.
The Best Black Powder Muzzleloader Gun Shooting Experience Awaits!