A Swing-Lock firearm is loaded and handled in much the
same way as most other muzzleloading firearms. The basic steps for loading
and firing a Swing-Lock firearm are as follows:
a. Pour a measured charge of smokeless powder, black powder, or equivalent
substitute down the barrel. Smokeless powder charges are by weight measurement
only! Use only specified components!
Pouring Powder Charge
b. Force a patched ball, conical bullet or bullet with sabot down the barrel using a short starter and ramrod until firmly seated on the powder charge.
Starting Bullet, Using Short Starter, and Ramrod
c. Prime the firearm. For a Swing-Lock, just open the action and then prime
by inserting a #209 shotgun primer into the primer adaptor. A primer tube
magazine capper is shown being used. Primers may also be inserted by hand,
if desired.
Inserting Primer
d. Close the action, release the safety, and pull the trigger to fire.
Firing
Releasing Safety