How to load a traditional muzzleloader

Pre-Inspection and Cleaning

The first thing to remember is to ALWAYS WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION!
Wipe bore dry. Use a jag and a cleaning patch
For a Flintlock, clean the frizzen and flint, and then be sure the touchhole is clear using a vent pick.
For a Percussion rifle, inspect the nipple for any obstruction. Snap a couple of caps to clear the vent – point the muzzle at a blade of grass and watch for motion.

Pour BLACK POWDER or Pyrodex charge into a measure from a horn or flask. NEVER load directly from the horn or flask. NEVER use smokeless powder.
Pour measured powder down the barrel.
Place the lubricated or moistened patch over the bore and set the lead ball on the patch.
Set the ball into the bore with the short arm of a ball starter.
Push the ball deeper with the long arm of a ball starter.
Seat the ball against the powder charge with a ramrod.
NEVER fire any muzzleloader if the ball is not firmly seated on the powder.
Mark your ramrod when the ball is in place, for later reference.
Remove the ramrod.
For a Flintlock, prime the pan, close the frizzen, and bring the hammer to full cock to fire. Be aware that fire will come out of the touchhole and can cause injury to anyone nearby.
For a Percussion rifle, place a cap firmly on the nipple and bring the hammer to full cock to fire.
Be certain of your target and what is behind it! Aim and fire.
Run a damp patch down the bore, then a dry patch, and start over.
NEVER blow down the barrel!!

NEVER, NEVER!

Never allow your firearm to point at anyone. To repeat careless gun handling and an accidental discharge could result in tragedy. Never use 4Fg Black powder as a main charge. 4F burns too fast and could bust the barrel. Severe injuries are possible.
Never shoot out a ball that is not completely seated. Always make sure that the ball is seated against the powder. You could burst the barrel. Never use more powder than your instructions call for. An overload could burst the barrel. Never over-prime a Flintlock, fill it only 1/4 to 1/3 full. More powder gives an excessive flash and acts as a fuse delaying ignition time.
Never snap a Flintlock to adjust or test the flint with the firearm loaded. Even though the pan is not primed, many firearms will fire from the sparks alone.
Never load directly from a horn or flask. Use a separate measure!!
Never smoke while loading, shooting, or handling black powder.
Never drink alcoholic beverages while loading, shooting, or handling black powder.