NAPHA Namibia Professional Hunting Association
PO Box 11291
Windhoek --- NAMIBIA
Tel : + 264 61 234455
Fax : + 264 61 222567 napha@mweb.com.na
"Smokepoles" and "Black magic"
MUZZLELOADING FACT SHEET
The history of all shooting sports began with black powder and muzzleloaders. The man, or
for that matter the nation responsible for the discovery of black powder has never been proved.
Muzzleloading firearms use either black powder or pyrodex as the propellant. Smokeless
powder CAN NOT be used as a substitute in muzzleloaders. Black powder has remained virtually
unchanged for more than two centuries. It is a mixture of 75 parts potassium nitrate, 15
parts charcoal and 10 parts sulfur. Pyrodex on the other hand is a 20th Century product,
which offers black powder qualities without some of the black powder problems. Pyrodex
fouls the bore less than black powder. However, it functions best when the bore has been
properly dressed, meaning after 3 to 5 warm up shots have been fired.
There are the modern "in-line" muzzleloading rifles which resemble contemporary center fire
rifles or there are the various traditional offhand rifles which are typical of those commonly
available prior to 1840. A muzzleloading shotgun is capable of producing the same pattern and
ballistics as a modern scattergun.
Increasingly more sportsmen are turning to black powder firearms as a way to expand their
hunting opportunities and to hone in on their hunting skills. Because of the muzzleloaders
range limitations, sportsmen are finding black powder hunting to be a challenging test of
their abilities. With the correct gun and load, practically any game can be taken by black
powder. Hereunder are the basic guidelines and regulations to be followed when one plans to
hunt with a muzzleloader in Namibia. But, before the sport begins, there are Do's and Don'ts
that MUST be taken into consideration when handling black powder and a muzzleloader
DO: Read and understand your instruction manual. If you didn't get one with your
muzzleloader, order one from the manufacturer.
DO: Seek advice or instruction from an experienced person. A local shooting club
should be able to assist you.
DO: Always wear shatterproof shooting glasses and ear protection, as both percussion
and flintlock guns may shower sparks and bits of caps/flints when fired.
DO: ONLY use black powder or Pyrodex.
DO: Treat a misfire or failure to fire as though the gun can fire at any second.
Wait at least a minute with the gun pointed at the target.
DO: Handle a muzzleloader with the same respect due to all other firearms.
DO: Be sure that all other persons are completely behind you when firing. Flames
and bits of caps/flint sometimes exit from the side of the gun. It is good shooting
etiquette to warn other persons that you are about to fire a flint- lock next to them.
DON'T: Never fire a muzzleloader unless the ball is firmly seated against the
powder charge. Firing a muzzleloader with the ball off the powder or part way up the
barrel may cause serious damage to the firearm and possibly serious injury to the shooter.
DON'T: Do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended maximum powder charge. The
proper charge for a muzzleloading firearm is an efficient load, which provides consistent
ignition, velocity and yields chamber pressure which is well below the maximum safety levels.
DON'T: Never use FFFFg black powder for a charge in any muzzleloader at any time.
The only safe use for fine priming powder is for the priming of a pan on a flint lock. Fine
powders will cause excessive pressures and could very well burst your barrel.
DON'T: Never lean over or stand in front of the muzzle at any time.
DON'T: Never attempt to shoot out a projectile which is not firmly seated against the
powder charge. In the case of this occurring, the ball and powder charge should be removed.
Begin by placing a small amount of bore cleaner through the nipple or clean-out screw hole.
Thoroughly soak the powder. Using a ball puller, screw it directly into the ball. Once the
ball puller is anchored into the ball, it can then be pulled out of the bore. You can then
dump out the powder charge.
DON'T: Never smoke while loading, shooting or handling black powder. Always follow
the manufacturer's safety precautions as listed on the container. All it takes is one spark
and it could spell disaster.
DON'T: Never drink alcohol and shoot. If you desire to drink…….stay far away from
your firearms.
DON'T: Do not pour a powder charge directly from a horn or flask. If a smoldering
ember is present, it could ignite the powder in the larger container as well as the powder
charge as it is poured into the barrel. This excessive amount of black powder could cause
a dangerous explosion possibly causing a serious injury to yourself and any bystanders.
Therefore, be safety conscious, use a graduated powder measure or another small measuring device.
DON'T: Never blow into the barrel at any time! The practice of blowing down a barrel
between shots may cause a flash that may burn your lips off!
STORAGE
For the storage of nitrocellulose products, only persons who are in possession of one or more
valid firearm licenses issued in terms of the Arms an Ammunition Act, 1969 (Act 75 of 1969),
may in respect of each such license keep on their premises 600grams of nitrocellulose propellants
for the private reloading of cartridges of small arms only and not for sale or any other trade.
The total amount of nitrocellulose propellants so kept shall not at any time exceed 2400 grams
in mass. Included in this amount is black powder, which, even on its own, may not exceed 1000
grams in mass.
PERMITS AND TRANSPORTATION:
The transportation of black powder by private individuals without a valid permit is illegal
and EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. Black powder is highly flammable!
Prior to a client departing for their hunting destination, the professional hunter who will
be guiding him/her, must, on their behalf apply for an ACQUISITION, CONVEYANCE AND
STORAGE OF GUNPOWDER PERMIT. The permit will be made available within 24hrs of the
application to the Office of the Chief Inspector of Explosives, and will be valid for the
period stipulated in the permit.
The following information must appear on the application form, which can be obtained from
a gun dealer or the NAPHA Office.
Name and address of the professional hunter as well as that of the client.
The quantity of black-powder that the client wishes to purchase. This is NOT to exceed 1kg.
The make and serial number of the firearm.
Arrival and departure dates.
A copy of the professional hunters identity document
A copy of the clients passport and a copy of the firearm license
Storage: The black powder is to either be stored in a lockable safe or steel cabinet.
Black powder can be stored in conjunction with other propellants. The container is to be
tightly sealed so as to avoid the black powder from becoming moist. Due to the volatility
of black powder, extreme caution must be taken to avoid contamination thereof.
AVAILABILITY and DISPOSAL OF BLACK POWDER IN NAMIBIA: We regret to inform you that at present there is no black powder available in Namibia, but please watch this site for further updates.
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND TOURISM - REGULATIONS REGARDING HUNTING WITH A MUZZLELOADER:
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism (M.E.T) under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 1975:
No.4 of 1975 in the section Restrictions in regard to fire-arms and capturing apparatus:
42. (1) No person shall use a revolver, pistol or automatic fire-arm when hunting game or
use a fire-arm of which the bullet has an energy at the muzzle of the barrel which is lower
than the following when hunting the species of game indicated there under:
5400 joules Buffalo
2700 joules: Eland, Kudu, Oryx, Wildebeest, Hartebeest, All species of exotic game.
1350 joules: Springbok, Duiker
This section prescribes a minimum muzzle velocity that is allowed for certain species of
game. Heavier calibers with higher muzzle velocities may be used.
