3.
ALWAYS CHECK AND CLEAR THE FLASH HOLE THROUGH THE NIPPLE BEFORE SHOOTING. ALWAYS
CHECK THE BARREL FOR OBSTRUCTIONS BEFORE LOADING AND SHOOTING.
Before checking for an
obstruction, put the safety mechanism in the
‘S’
position and open the bolt assembly and remove the percussion
cap and residue from the nipple. Water, snow, mud or any other material can obstruct the barrel and cause
barrel damage.
4.
USE BLACK POWDER OR PYRODEX®ONLY TO LOAD YOUR MUZZLELOADING FIREARM.
Never use even
small amounts of smokeless powder, even if it is black in color. The use of any other propellant may cause
injury or death to the shooter or bystanders and damage the firearm.
5.
NEVER EXCEED THE MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED POWDER CHARGE CONTAINED IN THIS BOOK.
To d o
so could result in injury or death to the shooter or bystanders.
6.
NEVER POUR POWDER DIRECTLY FROM A POWDER FLASK OR CONTAINER.
A sudden powder ignition
from a lingering spark could cause the entire flask to explode. Use an individual charge from a powder measure when loading your rifle. Read and follow your powder manufacturer’s procedures for powder storage.
7.
NEVER USE THE WRONG AMMUNITION COMPONENTS.
Only use ammunition components that exactly
match the caliber markings on your firearm and are meant to be used together. Use only pure lead or
Remington
®
brand loading components when shooting lubed conical bullets. Do not use any other lead
alloys with lubed conical bullets as they may be too hard for proper and safe use in your muzzleloader.
8.
WHEN LOADING, BE CERTAIN POWDER, PATCHES AND PROJECTILES ARE IN THEIR PROPER
SEQUENCE AND THAT THEY ARE COMPLETELY SEATED AGAINST ONE ANOTHER.
Serious personal
injury or death can result if space is left between them. To provide a reference mark for future loadings, mark
the ramrod at the muzzle once a projectile has been loaded to the proper depth.
NOTE:
Be sure to recheck
the ramrod mark if you change loading components or alter the ramrod. See Picture 13 on page 15. Never
attempt to shoot out a projectile that is not firmly seated against the powder charge or does not seat to the
proper depth. Remove these projectiles following the instructions on pages 18 and 19.
9.
ALWAYS USE COTTON PATCHING.
The use of non-cotton patching could build up a static electric charge
possibly creating a spark that could ignite the powder.
10.
NEVER POUND THE RAMROD.
Black powder and PYRODEX are impact sensitive and could ignite from
impact. Keep the ramrod directly away from your face or body.
11.
KNOW THE RANGE OF YOUR FIREARM.
Muzzleloading projectiles have a range of more than one-half mile.
12.
IF THE FIREARM FAILS TO FIRE, BE PREPARED FOR A HANGFIRE.
Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe
direction and wait no less than
one full minute
before opening the bolt. A spark may have reached the powder
without any sound.
The rifle could fire at any moment during this minute.
If the rifle does not fire within a
minute, carefully follow the directions on how to handle a misfire on pages 15 and 16.
13.
RENDER YOUR FIREARM INOPERABLE WHENEVER YOU ARE NOT SHOOTING.
Never place the percussion cap on the nipple until just before firing and remove it immediately if you do not fire. Never carry or store
a loaded firearm in a building or a vehicle. Unload it by firing it into a suitable backstop before returning to
your vehicle, entering a building, crossing or climbing up or down any obstacle that may prevent you from
keeping full control over the firearm, such as a fallen tree, fence, treestand or slippery area. Failure to follow
this rule may cause serious injury or death to the shooter or bystanders.
14.
BLACK POWDER LEAVES HEAVY CORROSIVE RESIDUES.
A thorough cleaning and lubing are absolute
necessities before storage and prior to loading and shooting. Follow the cleaning instructions starting on
page 19. Always carry loading and cleaning equipment with you in the field.
15.
NEVER USE THE WEATHER SHROUD FOR REPEATED SHOOTING.
It is intended for single shot usage.
Always disassemble and clean the bolt assembly after shooting with the weather shroud. See page 22 for bolt
assembly cleaning instructions.
16.
WARNING:
Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms or handling ammunition
components may result in exposure to lead, a substance known to cause birth defects, reproductive harm,
cancer and other serious physical injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times. Wash hands thoroughly
after exposure.
7