> Cowboy Action Shooting Tips & Techniques : How to Load a Cap & Ball Black Powd

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.
Things You'll Need:
• Blackpowder pistol
• Blackpowder
• Percussion caps
• Powder measure
• Patches
• Lead ball
• Ramrod
1. Step 1
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.
2. Step 2
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 strongly pushing it forward. With a single trigger, in the full-cock position, the hammer should only fall when moderate pressure is applied to the trigger. With double-set triggers, in the half-cock position, it should not be possible to make the hammer fall by applying strong pressure to either the hammer or the front trigger. In the full-cock position, strong pressure on the hammer should not make it fall. Light pressure on the trigger will make it fall. When using a double set-trigger, the rear trigger is used to increase the sensitivity of the front trigger. The front trigger fires the weapon. Make sure the front trigger is set at an appropriate level of sensitivity to insure safe operation.
3. Step 3
Do a quick check for barrel obstructions. With the pistol unloaded and in the half-cock position with the barrel pointed in a safe direction, place an appropriate percussion cap on the nipple. Bring the pistol to full-cock. Fire the cap at a leaf or blade of grass. This clears the nipple and ignition channel of any excess oil or residue. If the object moves, the barrel is clear.
4. Step 4
Load the powder. Use only blackpowder or Pyrodex. See the instruction manual for the recommended load. Pour the appropriate amount of powder into a calibrated powder measure. With the pistol in a loading stand, pour the powder down the barrel and give the side of the barrel a sharp shake with the hand. This sets the powder. Place the ball on the center of a pre-lubricated patch and place them both on the muzzle. The patch is between the powder and the ball. Using the short end of a ball starter, set the patch and ball a short distance into the barrel. Now use the long end to set it further down. Use the ramrod to move it down onto the powder charge. Make sure the ball is set firmly on top of the powder.
5. Step 5
Fire the pistol. With the pistol pointed down range and in the half-cock position, place a percussion cap onto the nipple. The pistol is now charged and ready to fire. Place the pistol in the full-cock position, aim and fire.