In-Line MuzzleLoaders

 Nothing like your great grandpa use to carry.

 So-called modern muzzleloader of today is called the in-line muzzle loader. They have fast taken over as the majority of hunting guns used for muzzle loading today. They get their name because the ignition system is in-line with the bore. Unlike the old traditional muzzle loading systems of cap lock and flintlock, the hammer is in–line with the bore like a modern cartridge firearm.

Looks of an In Line Muzzle Loading Gun

 At a glance, you would think that you are looking at a regular cartridge gun. The in-line muzzle loader is made of all modern firearm type materials, synthetic stocks and blued or stainless steel. They can come totally camouflaged in appearance also. The only give away would be the ramrod mounted under the barrel.

 By design, you can find a bolt-action type action or a break open action configuration. By open action, it is like the single-shot shotgun that breaks open behind the breach for loading and removal of the shot shell.

Cleaning differs greatly from a primitive type gun 

For cleaning, the break open type may be easier to deal with than the bolt-action type. Cleaning takes a little longer with an in line muzzle loader than with a primitive type gun. You are required to pull the breach plug and other parts to clean these guns.

 Once cleaned you have to lube all threads during assembly. This assures that you can get it apart the next time that you have to clean your gun.

Barrel Twist rates and Bullets 

 In-line muzzleloaders also have faster twist rates in their barrel rifling. The rate of 1 turn in 24 inches is a general rate used. They are all designed to use saboted bullets. Generally, it is a plastic sleeve that holds a modern made pistol or rifle bullet used in cartridge loading. Though there are new weights and designs being made just for the in line muzzle loading use today.

 The fast twist rates used in the inline muzzle loaders are too fast for round balls. Twist rates for patched round balls are 1 turn in48 inches to 1 turn in 66 inches. I also believe that the cloth patch used around a round ball would not stay engaged with the rifling of an in line when shot.

Powder Used

 You can use regular black powder in the in-line as a propellant, but they are really designed to use any of the black powder substitutes on the market today. These come in granular and also pellet type configurations. Pyrodex, Triple Seven and Black Mag3 is just some of them.

 However, all of these are still very dirty to shoot, as is black powder. Plus they can be just as corrosive to your gun. It is still a good idea to clean your gun after each use!

Caps and Primers

 Instead of the number 11 caps used on a standard cap lock, in lines use a 209-shotgun primer. You can get 209 primers made just for the in-line muzzleloaders now also. Some have said that a regular 209 primer made for reloading shot shells may be too hot for us in an in-line muzzleloader, affecting the accuracy of the gun.

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