Hunter Tip: How to Load Your Firearm Correctly
Loading your firearm is not something you want to do wrong. Putting the wrong ammo in your hunting rifle (or putting ammo in incorrectly) can lead to a dangerous situation.
Whether you've loaded a shotgun or rifle before or not, there is a right way (and many wrong ways) to do it. However, the best way to load your firearm is the safe way!
Discharging your firearm when you're not ready to fire at the animal you're hunting can lead to severe injuries. So, what are the steps to loading a firearm? Before you go into the field for your next whitetail or turkey hunt, review the steps below.
We also recommend taking a hunting safety course to round out your knowledge while in the field.
6 Steps to Loading a Firearm Correctly
Do you know all the steps to load firearms correctly (and safely)? Watch our video for a quick refresher!
What did you learn from the video? Here's the rundown to safely load ammo into your hunting rifle or shotgun:
- Always treat your firearm as if it's loaded, and point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- If your firearm has a safety, turn it to the safe position.
- Inspect the barrel for any obstructions.
- Load the right gauge or caliber ammunition for your gun.
- Close the action and activate the safety if you could not previously.
- Then, enjoy your hunt!
With a loaded firearm, practicing good safety measures is crucial, especially when hunting with a partner. Never point the gun at anyone or anything unless you have an animal sighted and you plan to shoot it.
Only Carry the Correct Ammunition
Putting the wrong ammunition into your firearm causes a dangerous (and possibly deadly situation. Your shotgun or rifle will only work as it should with the correct ammo.
To avoid accidentally loading a firearm with the wrong ammo, never carry the wrong ammunition. Only bring the ammunition that matches your firearm into the field for your hunt.
Even if a different ammo fits, do not load it into your firearm. For example, a 20-gauge shotshell will fit into a 12-gauge shotgun but can become stuck in the barrel. If you then tried to put a 12-gauge shotshell in your shotgun and fired it, your shotgun could explode, causing severe injury to you and any hunting partners.
What Else Should You Know About Firearm Safety?
Whether you're a new hunter or experienced in hunting different species depending on the season, there's more to good gun safety than loading a shotgun or rifle correctly.
Hunters must understand how to transport firearms safely, how to pass over fencing or land boundaries with a loaded rifle, how to walk through fields or forests with hunting partners while carrying loaded firearms, and how to clean and store firearms safely after a hunt. Understanding how your firearm works and which caliber is best depends on the animals you hunt is also crucial.
You'll learn all of this information (and more) in a hunting safety course through Hunter-Ed. All of our courses cover essential safety information for every aspect of a successful hunt – and they are 100% online! You can learn hunting safety essentials, then take your exam and request your hunting license when it's most convenient for you.
Learn Firearm Safety (and More) With a Hunter Education Course
You may feel like you know enough about hunting to stay safe on opening day. Or, you might be new to hunting and unsure of essential safety best practices for a successful hunt.
No matter your experience level, the more you understand about hunting safely, the better your hunts will be! Hunting safety courses help hunters avoid accidents and save lives. Hunter-Ed has developed state-approved, comprehensive courses that cover everything from regulations to responsible firearm handling.
It's easy to start, and you can learn from (almost) anywhere using your mobile devices or desktop computer. Before you plan your whitetail, turkey, or duck hunt this season, find your course and get certified!
Originally published December 3, 2015. Content updated January 8, 2024.
