How to Reload a Muzzleloader

Muzzleloaders do not take magazines. You load each shot by hand, either directly or with a powder horn.

Direct Reload

The firearm muzzleloader reload recipe is shapeless. With the gun in hand or in the reload slot, supply the powder and the projectile together. A paper cartridge such as Large Lead Musket Ball Paper Cartridge combines ball and charge in one item, which simplifies the process. Without a cartridge, you need a Large Powder Charge plus a ball or shot of the matching size.

Powder Horn Reload

The powder horn reload recipe is a separate shapeless recipe. Stock the horn with powder so you only need to carry projectiles separately. This is faster in the field because you are not juggling loose charge items for every shot.

Ignition Systems Matter

Matchlock guns need Match Cord and a Long Match to fire. Flintlock guns use a flint in the mechanism. Caplock guns use percussion caps built into the Caplock Mechanism. Match the ammunition size to the gun: pistols and derringers take smaller charges than muskets and long muskets. If a gun will not fire, check that the correct ignition item is present and that the projectile matches the bore.