Muzzleloading Shooting

Muzzleloading involves loading powder and projectile directly into the barrel of the firearm, just as it was done centuries ago.

Modern replicas are so precise that many match the original firearms in both design and performance - and the accuracy they deliver often surprises newcomers.

Many shooters who discover muzzleloading end up hooked, affectionately calling their firearms “smoke poles” for the dramatic plumes of black powder smoke that fill the air after every shot.

The range of long arms used in muzzleloading covers several key historical periods:

• Smoothbore matchlock muskets – circa 1600–1650
• Smoothbore flintlock muskets – circa 1700–1800
• Smoothbore percussion muskets – circa 1830–1860
• Flintlock rifles – circa 1750–1830
• Percussion rifles – circa 1830–1860
• Percussion shotguns – circa 1830–1860

These are divided into three main classes:

• Military
• Traditional
• Open

Handguns are also part of the discipline and fall into three categories:

• Revolvers
• Pistols
• Open

The handguns include matchlock and flintlock single-shot pistols, both smoothbore and rifled, as well as percussion cap and ball revolvers like those used in the American Civil War.

• It’s a living link to history, blending skill, patience, and precision.
• Every match feels personal - you load, fire, and maintain your firearm with care.
• It’s a welcoming and passionate community that values both heritage and craftsmanship.

SSAA Guidelines for Use of Black Powder

SSAA Muzzle Loading Rule Book No 9, Rev Nov 2023

ASSRA Match Equipment and Scoring Rules ASSRA Revised June 2010

Muzzleloading.pdf

SSAA Standard Rules No 9.2 Rev Nov 2022

SSAA official practice targets

SSAA Muzzle Loading Rule Book Annex Long Range MLAIC Official Rules No. 1 2018

SSAA Muzzle Loading Rule Book Annex ASSRA Rules Specific Black Powder Cartridge Events 2018

Discipline posters 2019 Muzzleloading

MLAIC Rules May 2020

2025 SSAA Muzzleloading National Championships

2024 National Muzzle Loading and Black Powder Cartridge Postal Shoot

2023 SSAA NSW Muzzleloading Rifle and Pistol Titles

2023 NSW Muzzleloading Shotgun and Cannon Titles

2023 SSAA National Postal Shoot

2023 SSAA Muzzle Loading and Black Powder Cartridge Nationals

2022 MUZZLE LOADING POSTAL SHOOT RESULTS

2022 SSAA Muzzle Loading and Black Powder Cartridge Nationals

SSAA Muzzle Loading and Black Powder Cartridge Nationals 2021

Muzzle Loading 2020 Postal Shoot

Aussie smashes world record at Bisley

SSAA 2019 Muzzleloading national championships

SSAA SA Muzzle Loading State Titles 2019

2018 Muzzle Loading National Championships

Muzzle Loading Pacific Zone Postal Shoot

2017 Queensland State Muzzleloading Titles

2017 SSAA South Australia Muzzleloading State Championships

2017 SSAA Queensland Muzzleloading State Championships

2017 MLAIC World Muzzle Loading Long Range Championships

2017 SSAA National Muzzleloading Championships

2016 SSAA NSW Muzzleloading Rifle Titles

SSAA NSW State Championships for Muzzleloading Shotguns and Black Powder Cannons

2016 SSAA National Muzzleloading Postal Shoot

Muzzleloading SA State Championships

SSAA National Muzzleloading Championships

SSAA National Muzzleloading Championships

SSAA Queensland Muzzleloading State Championships

SSAA WA Muzzleloading State Championships – Part 2

MLAIC Long Range World Championships

SSAA NSW Muzzleloading State Titles

MLAIC Pacific Zone Postal Championships

SSAA Muzzleloading South Australian State Championships

SSAA WA Muzzleloading State Championships – Part 1

SSAA Queensland Muzzleloading State Titles

SSAA SA State Muzzleloading Rifle & Pistol Championships

SSAA Muzzleloading National Championships

SSAA WA State Muzzleloading Championships – Part 1

Muzzleloading National Champions

Muzzleloading Hall of Fame

Muzzleloading Australian records

Muzzleloading National records

SSAA Muzzle Loading and Black Powder Cartridge Nationals

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, collector, or just curious about black powder shooting, muzzleloading sport NSW offers an unforgettable experience.

Visit your nearest SSAA NSW branch to watch a match or chat with the discipline captain - most shooters are more than happy to help newcomers get started.