Manual

18
Never fire a muzzleloader unless you are sure the projectile is firmly seated on
the powder charge and the ramrod had been removed from the bore. Shooters
should bear in mind that the muzzleloading projectile is not crimped into posi-
tion as is the fixed cartridge projectile. If a projectile does not fit tightly, then jar-
ring or movement of the firearms can cause it to move forward. If the firearm is
fired when a projectile is forward or off the powder charge, or the ramrod is still
in the bore, then the projectile or ramrod may act as a bore obstruction. This can
cause a ruptured or burst barrel. A RUPTURED OR BUST BARREL MAY CAUSE
INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND DAMAGE TO
PROPERTY. If, due to fouling, a bullet or ball becomes lodged partway down the
barrel, the firearm must be disassembled and the charge removed. See section
on Cleaning . Also see section on Pulling a Charge .