What You Learned
Primitive hunting arms include the muzzleloader firearm, the bow and arrow, and the crossbow.
Muzzleloaders
![Shooter firing muzzleloader Shooter firing muzzleloader](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/830/attachments/original/muzzleloader_aiming_closeup.jpg?1497618229)
Muzzleloaders are loaded from the muzzle or open end of the gun. They have a lock instead of the action. Muzzleloaders are usually rifles but can be shotguns (single barrel or double barrel) or handguns (pistols or revolvers).
![Muzzleloader](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/1716/attachments/original/muzzleloader-inline.jpg?1519052155)
Another type of muzzleloading firearm is the in-line muzzleloader. Its parts are recoil pad, striker safety, trigger safety, breech, scope mounts, rear sight, front sight, ramrod, and stock.
![Black powders for muzzleloaders Black powders for muzzleloaders](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/824/attachments/original/muzzleloader-powders.jpg?1517266539)
Only use black powder or a synthetic black powder substitute in muzzleloaders. Do not use modern-day smokeless powders due to the risk of serious injury.
The four sizes or granulations of black powder are Fg, FFg, FFFg, and FFFFg.
![Projectiles for a muzzleloader Projectiles for a muzzleloader: bullet, PowerBelt bullet, shot pellets, round ball and path, and bullet with sabot](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/825/attachments/original/ammo-muzzleloading-projectiles.jpg?1519053497)
The three types of projectiles used in muzzleloaders are the round ball, the bullet, and shot. Select your ammunition based on the type of shooting you plan to do.
![Hunter loading muzzleloader in kneeling position Hunter loading muzzleloader in kneeling position](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/826/attachments/original/muzzleloader_loading_kneel.jpg?1497618215)
To protect yourself from the increased risks of using a muzzleloader, remember to follow safety rules when loading or unloading your firearm. The primary rule is to keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Do not lean over, stand in front of, or blow down the muzzle.
![Muzzleloader cleaning](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/1717/attachments/original/muzzleloader-cleaning.jpg?1519054003)
You should swab the barrel of your muzzleloader with a moist patch after each shot to avoid fouling. Then thoroughly clean the muzzleloader after each shooting session.