Traditions Evolution Thunderbolt Tracker - Manual (Page 13)

3
MUZZLELOADING ‘MUSTS’
FOR MUZZLELOADING SUCCESS
1. Read completely, fully understand and be willing to follow all
instructions and warranty limitations outlined in this booklet before
loading or attempting to shoot your new Traditions muzzleloader.
2. Always treat any firearm as if it is loaded.
3. Always wear proper eye and ear protection when loading or
firing any firearm.
4. Don’t shoot until you are absolutely sure of your target and what
is beyond it. Do not point your firearm at anything you do not intend
to shoot. Be sure that all bystanders are safely positioned behind you
and that they are aware that you are about to shoot. Be mindful that
this firearm has a range in excess of a half a mile.
5. Use only the proper grade of black powder, Pyrodex ® powder,
Pyrodex Pellets ® or Triple 7 powder in properly measured amounts. Be
sure to reference the chart in this booklet for recommended loads. Reduce
charges of Triple 7 by 15%, whether measuring by weight or volume.
6. Never use any amount of smokeless gun powder in your
muzzleloader. Although also black in color, smokeless powder is a
very different chemical composition and it will produce dangerous
pressures resulting in serious injury to yourself, bystanders and it will
damage your firearm.
7. Never smoke or permit others to smoke in the presence of black
powder or Pyrodex ® . Take care to guard against all potential
ignition sources.
8. Never take drugs and/or drink alcoholic beverages before and
during shooting.
9. Be certain that the powder, patches and projectiles are properly
sized and measured and are loaded in their proper sequence and that
the projectile is firmly seated on top of the propellant.
10. Use only cotton or linen shooting patches when loading round
lead balls. Do not use any type of plastic patches.
11. Never load powder into a gun directly from a can, powder horn
or flask. Always use a separate calibrated powder measuring device.
A remaining spark or ember in the barrel may cause an ignition of the
powder and cause harm to you, bystanders and the firearm.
13. No projectiles other than those specifically recommended in this
manual should be used in your muzzleloader.