Design

• Muzzle loading rifles use a pair of black powder charges to propel a bullet down the barrel of the rifle. The main charge is loaded into the muzzle through the barrel, while the primer charge rests above the main charge outside of the barrel. The two charges are connected through a narrow metal cone known as the nipple or flash hole, depending on the design of the rifle. The trigger of the rifle is connected to a hammer that strikes a flint or the primer when the trigger is depressed.