Manual

range requires the proper application of the powder to the specific purpose

and in the quantities for which it was designed to be used.

Never use smokeless powder of any type or in any quantity in a muzzle-

loading firearm, and never mix powders. The use of any smokeless pow-

der could result in a detonation or explosion WHICH COULD CAUSE

INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO THE SHOOTER OR BYSTANDERS AND

DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

Confine your use to Black Powder or Pyrodex and learn how to identify

these powders and to use them correctly in your muzzleloading firearm. Here

we will deal first with Black Powder for certainly it is the oldest of our pro-

pellant powders.

Black Powder is manufactured in four specific types or granulations for

use in firearms. Generally speaking, it is the granule size which determines the

appropriate use of Black Powder. Coarsest granulations are naturally the slow-

est burning and, therefore, work best in large caliber rifles and shotguns.

Pistols or small caliber rifles require a finer or faster burning powder. The

priming powder used in the pan of a flint lock is extremely fine and fast burn-

ing. The accompanying chart will help you to recognize the various granula-

tions of Black Powder and to relate them to their proper use.