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

• A Black Powder Gun • Black Powder Gun Powder • Bullets and Primers • Black Powder Supplies and Accessories • 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

• FG - For large caliber rifles and small cannons. • FFG - For most military rifles and larger black powder cartridges. • FFFG - For handguns, shotguns and smaller caliber rifles. • FFFFG - For priming powder for flintlocks, small handguns, blanks and pinfires. • 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

• Black powder flask is used to store and dispense your powder for use. • Black Powder Measurer is used to precisely measure your powder. • Bullet Starter is used to start a bullet down the bore when it fits too tightly. • Capper is used for priming your black powder gun. • Nipple Pick is designed to clean out nipples and hard to reach areas in breech. • 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!