How to Load a Black Powder Firearm

1. Pour the powder down the barrel from a powder measuring tool, which will ensure the correct charge. If you're using pelletized powder, just drop in the proper number.
2. Load the bullet. For a round ball, lay a patch over the bore and shove the ball down on it. You'll need a ball starter to get it going. A little lube helps-"at the range, spit is all you need. In the field, use Crisco or a commercial lubricant. Conicals and PowerBelts go down fairly easily. Sabots can be hard to get down. A little lube helps here, too.
3. Push the bullet in and tamp it down with a ramrod. Afterward, leave the ramrod in and scratch a mark on it to show the proper seating depth. You can also use the mark to determine whether the rifle is loaded.
4. Put on a primer cap or fill the pan with powder.