How Do You Load A Black Powder Cap And Ball Pistol?
Shooting a traditional cap and ball, a blackpowder muzzleloading pistol is both an exciting and historical experience. The loading, however, must be done carefully, with close attention paid to safety. By following a few simple instructions, the pistol can be correctly loaded and safely fired. Always wear eye protection when loading or shooting any firearm. Check to see that the firearm is unloaded and in the half-cock position. Also, make sure that there is no percussion cap on the nipple. It’s a good idea to mark the unloaded position by dropping the ramrod down the barrel and placing a scratch at the exposed exit point. This should also be done for the powder load and the patched ball positions. By using the ramrod, the shooter is always aware of the situation at the bottom of the barrel. Check that the lock and triggers are functioning properly. With use they can move out of adjustment. In both the half-cock and full-cock positions, make sure that the hammer will not fall by strong
