Muzzle Loading Update

Published on:
Jul 03, 2018

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Muzzle Loading

The NRA announcement detailing the intention to adopt “MLAGB Rules and Guidance, in full, commencing 2 Jul 2018” has attracted much comment and we are very grateful for the feedback received.  It has become obvious that this is a far more complex subject, and discipline, than we at first realized and we need to retract that statement.

The NRA will not be adopting MLAGB rules, at this stage.

NRA guidance on the handling of propellant powders is included below:

NRA Guidance on the Handling of Propellant Powders

Propellant powder can be ignited relatively easily by a flame or spark. Smokeless powder substitutes, such as Pyrodex, are just as vulnerable to ignition by flame or spark as black powder itself.

It is strongly recommended that powder, of any type, is only loaded into any firearm from phials holding the correct charge for a single firing and not from flasks.

Shooters should:

–          Ensure powder containers, of any size, are only opened on the range to dispense contents, after which it should be closed immediately.

–          Flasks, phials or other black powder containers should be kept covered on the firing point or the loading table when not in use.

–          Expose the minimum amount of powder on the firing point

–          Wipe spilled powder from tables at the firing point or on the loading table as soon as practicable

–          Load the minimum powder required for accuracy at the current shooting distance.

–          Ensure flasks used for priming flintlocks hold the minimal quantity of powder required.

–          Ensure the glowing match, used to ignite matchlocks, is kept in a perforated container to allow air to enter but prevent sparks from escaping and replaced in the container as soon as the
shot has been discharged

–          Avoid handling powder when wearing clothing that is prone to static build up or in an environment where static build up is likely.

Note:

Smoking of any sort, including vaping, is forbidden within 10m of propellant powder

On indoor ranges, the firing point area should be cleaned at the end of every shooting session to prevent the buildup of unburnt powder on and around the firing point.

Andrew Mercer

Secretary General