Muzzleloading Ammo
Muzzleloading ammunition isn’t a cartridge — it’s a collection of components loaded individually into the bore: powder, a projectile (bullet or ball), and an ignition source (primer or percussion cap). Impact Guns carries muzzleloader supplies for both modern inline rifles and traditional sidelock and flintlock designs, including black powder substitutes, saboted bullets, round balls, and ignition components from Hodgdon, Federal, CVA, and others.
Read our Muzzleloader Supplies Buying Guide ↓
Propellants: Black Powder vs. Substitutes
Traditional black powder (FFFg for pistols and small bores, FFg for rifles) is the original muzzleloader propellant and works in all designs including flintlocks. Black powder substitutes like Hodgdon Pyrodex and Triple Seven are more stable, produce less fouling, and are easier to purchase (black powder requires hazmat shipping). Triple Seven burns cleaner than Pyrodex and produces slightly higher velocities at equivalent charges. Most modern inline muzzleloaders are designed to use pelletized powder for convenience — pre-measured charges that drop directly into the bore without a powder measure.
Bullets and Projectiles
Modern inline muzzleloaders use saboted bullets — a standard jacketed pistol bullet seated in a plastic sabot that engages the rifling. Common choices are 250gr and 300gr .50 caliber sabots using .44 or .45 caliber bullets from Hornady, Barnes, and PowerBelt. Traditional rifles use round balls sized to match the bore diameter, patched with a lubricated cloth patch to engage the rifling. Conical bullets like Minié balls are a middle ground, used in both traditional and some modern rifles. Match your projectile to your rifle’s twist rate — faster twists (1:28) are optimized for saboted bullets; slower twists (1:48, 1:66) work better with patched round balls.
Ignition: Primers and Caps
Modern inline muzzleloaders use 209 shotgun primers for reliable ignition in wet conditions and with black powder substitutes. Traditional sidelock rifles use #11 percussion caps (most common) or musket caps. Flintlocks use FFFFg priming powder in the pan. Federal and CCI both make 209 primers and #11 caps specifically designed for muzzleloaders. Ignition reliability is critical — store caps and primers in a dry location and inspect them before each use.
Frequently Asked Questions: Muzzleloading Supplies
What is the best propellant for inline muzzleloaders?
Hodgdon Blackhorn 209 is the most popular modern inline muzzleloader propellant — it ignites consistently with a standard 209 shotgun primer, produces less fouling than black powder or older substitutes, and delivers consistent velocities shot-to-shot. Hodgdon Triple Seven (777) is the other primary choice, producing higher velocities than equivalent black powder charges. Traditional black powder (Goex, Swiss) is used in sidelock and traditional muzzleloaders. Always use the propellant specified for your specific muzzleloader — modern inlines are optimized for specific propellants and primers.
What bullets work best for muzzleloader deer hunting?
Polymer-tipped saboted bullets from Barnes, Hornady, and PowerBelt are the standard for modern inline deer hunting. Barnes T-EZ, Hornady SST ML, and PowerBelt AeroLite are widely used and provide reliable expansion on deer at typical muzzleloader ranges (100–200 yards). For traditional sidelock muzzleloaders, patched round balls and conical bullets (Minié balls) are the traditional projectiles. Match your bullet to your rifle’s twist rate — faster twists (1:28) stabilize saboted bullets; slower twists (1:48, 1:66) are designed for conicals and round balls.
What primers do modern inline muzzleloaders use?
Most modern inline muzzleloaders use standard 209 shotgun primers for ignition — the same primers used in shotgun shells. Brands including Federal 209A, Winchester 209, and CCI 209 are widely used. Some older or budget inline designs use musket caps or #11 percussion caps. Verify your specific muzzleloader’s primer requirement in the owner’s manual before purchasing.
How do I clean a muzzleloader after shooting?
Clean muzzleloaders promptly after use — black powder and substitutes are corrosive and moisture-attracting. Run hot water or a dedicated muzzleloader solvent through the barrel to dissolve fouling, follow with dry patches, then lightly oil the bore and all metal surfaces. Remove and clean the breech plug separately — fouling accumulates there and can make it difficult to remove if left unattended. Blackhorn 209 produces less fouling and is easier to clean than traditional black powder.
See Also: Black Powder Guns • Black Powder Rifles • Black Powder Pistols • All Ammunition