What kind of powder can cause serious injury if used in a muzzleloader?

• A. Modern smokeless powder
• B. Black powder
• C. Pyrodex
• D. Triple Seven

Answer: (A)

Smokeless powder is not compatible with muzzleloaders. These firearms are designed to be fired with black powder or certain approved substitutes, which burn and generate pressure in a controlled way for that specific design. Smokeless powder, on the other hand, burns much hotter and produces far higher pressures. If it’s used in a muzzleloader, the pressure can spike beyond what the gun can safely handle, potentially causing a dangerous overpressure, barrel or breech failure, or severe injury to the shooter. The other options are powders that are specifically formulated or approved for muzzleloaders, so they’re the types you should use when operating that firearm.