Abstract:
A muzzle-loader bullet system includes a pre-packaged propellant charge and primer for providing efficient loading and unloading of the muzzleloader. The muzzleloader accepts in the breech end the propellant containment vessel that abuts against a constriction portion with a reduced diameter portion. The propellant containment vessel having an end portion with a tapered surface that conforms to the constriction portion surface. A projectile is inserted in the muzzle end and seats against the constriction portion. The propellant containment vessel may be received in a removable breech plug. The constriction portion may be part of the breech plug or a separate component secured in the barrel by way of the breech plug. The containment vessel further comprises a primer mechanism that may be integrated into the proximal end of the containment vessel.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/707,520, filed Sep. 28, 2012, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/852,480, filed Mar. 15, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/802,265, filed Mar. 15, 2013, each of which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is directed to a system for muzzleloaders for improving safety, reliability, and performance. A muzzle loader has a breech that allows a breech plug and/or a pre-packaged propellant cartridge to be loaded therein and has features preventing the breach loading of bullets. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Muzzleloaders are a class of firearms in which the propellant charge and bullet are separately loaded into the barrel immediately prior to firing. Unlike modern breech loaded firearms where the bullet, propellant charge and primer are loaded as prepackaged cartridges, muzzleloaders are loaded by feeding a propellant charge through the muzzle of the barrel before ramming a bullet down the barrel with a ramrod until the bullet is seated against the propellant charge at the breech end of the barrel. A primer is then fitted to the exterior end of a hole in the breech end of the barrel. The primer is then struck by an inline firing pin or an external hammer to ignite the propellant charge through the hole in the breech end of the barrel to create propellant gases for propelling the bullet. 
         [0004]    The loading process of muzzleloaders creates s unique to muzzleloaders. Specifically, the muzzleloader loading process requires that, unlike conventional breech loaded firearms, the bullet travel through the barrel twice, once during loading and once during firing. The tight fit of the bullet to the barrel can create substantial friction as the bullet travels through the barrel and is etched by the barrel rifling. During firing, the expanding propellant gases can overcome the frictional forces to propel the bullet through the barrel. However, during loading, the user must overcomes the frictional force by applying an axial force to the bullet with the ramrod until the bullet is seated against the propellant charge. The friction between the bullet and the barrel can complicate the determination as to whether the bullet has been pushed far enough down the barrel during loading and is properly seated against the propellant charge. The relative position of the bullet to the propellant charge changes the pressurization of the barrel behind the bullet from the ignited propellant gases impacting the ballistic performance and potentially creating a substantial safety risk. 
         [0005]    A concern with muzzleloaders is that the slower burning propellant required by muzzleloaders often foul the barrel with unconsumed residue requiring frequent cleaning of the barrel. The fouling can be severe enough that the barrel must be cleaned after every shot. The fouling can also interfere with the operation of the bullet and/or bullet with cup or sabot, causing damage to the cup and affect performance. In addition to contributing the fouling of the barrel, the deformation or damage to the sabot can impart wobble into the bullet or otherwise impact the ballistic performance of the bullet. 
         [0006]    A variability in muzzleloaders not present in cartridge based firearms is the quantity and type of the propellant charge. Unlike cartridge firearms where a cartridge is preloaded with a bullet and premeasured quantity of propellant is loaded into the firearm for firing, the bullet and propellant charge are combined within the firearm for firing. Accordingly, the muzzleloader operator can select the optimal bullet, propellant type and quantity combination for each shot, which is particularly advantageous given the long reloading time for muzzleloaders. While the variability of the bullet—propellant charge combination allows for an optimized shot, varying the bullet and in particular the propellant and quantity of propellant can significantly change the appropriate seating depth of the bullet. With loose or powdered propellant such as black powder, the amount of propellant is often varied between 80 and 120 volumetric grains. Similarly, propellants are often formed into cylindrical pellets that are stacked end-to-end within the barrel to form the propellant charges. The pellets are typically each about 1 cm in length and loaded in 1 to 3 pellet groups causing an even greater variation in the seating depth. Variability in the powder and bullet of course causes variability in performance including accuracy. 
         [0007]    A common approach to determining whether a bullet has been properly seated involves marking the ramrod with a visual indicator that aligns with the muzzle of the barrel when the end of the ramrod is at the appropriate depth with the barrel. The visual indicator is typically marked by loading the propellant charge and ramming a test bullet through the barrel. Once the user is certain that the bullet is properly seated against the propellant charge, the corresponding portion of the ramrod at the muzzle is marked. Although this approach is relatively easy to implement and widely used, the visual indicator approach detracts from the primary advantages of muzzleloaders. As the visual indicator approach is set based on a particular propellant charge and bullet combination, a variation in the propellant charge that changes the dimensions of the propellant charge can render the visual indicator at best useless or at worse a safety risk giving a false appearance of a properly seated bullet. 
         [0008]    In addition to the hazards posed by an improperly loaded propellant, the process for unloading an unfired muzzleloader can also pose a significant safety challenge. Typically, a ramrod with a bullet extractor tip is inserted into the muzzle and engaged to the bullet to pull the bullet out of the barrel. The propellant charge is then pulled or poured from the now open barrel. The bullet extraction and propellant charge removal process is highly dangerous as the user&#39;s hands and head are near the muzzle of the barrel and could be struck if the muzzleloader accidentally discharged. Moreover, the muzzleloader is typically not aimed at a particular target during unloading and can cause further injury if not aimed in a safe direction. The inherent risks associated with the conventional method of unloading muzzleloaders are such that the conventional wisdom for safely unloading a muzzleloader is to fire the muzzleloader into the ground or in a safe direction rather than attempt a risky extraction of the bullet and removal of the propellant charge. 
         [0009]    A similar consideration specific to hunting applications is that state and local laws typically require that the muzzleloader be unloaded while being transported in a motor vehicle from site to site. With certain types of game, hunters often check multiple sites in search of the targeted game. However, unloading the muzzleloader by firing the muzzleloader prior to leaving a site can spook the target game and other wildlife at that site and spoil the site for a period of time. Although certain laws are tailored to permit hunters to transport an otherwise loaded muzzleloader during hunting provided the primer is removed from the hole, the propellant charge and bullet are still seated within the barrel during transport posing a lessoned, but still substantial safety risk. As discussed above, the fouling can interfere with the safe operation of the muzzleloader as well as the ballistic performance of the bullet. While firing the muzzleloader can be comparatively safer method of unloading the bullet, the muzzleloader must often be cleaned after each firing. In a hunting situation where the muzzleloader may be fired several times to unload the muzzleloader for transport, the barrel may require cleaning, which can be difficult in the field. 
         [0010]    One approach to addressing the reloading problem is replacing the closed breech end of the muzzleloader barrel with a screw-in, removable breech plug. The breech plug is removable from the breech end of the muzzle to remove the propellant charge from behind the bullet rather than attempting the remove the bullet from the muzzle end of the barrel. While the approach is effective in safely separating the propellant charge from the bullet, a common problem with removable breech plugs is seizing of the breech plug within the barrel. The rapid temperature changes during firing as well as the corrosive nature of many of the propellants can result in seizing of the corresponding threads of the breech plug and the barrel. If not carefully maintained, the breech plug will become difficult to remove to efficiently unload of the muzzleloader. 
         [0011]    A related concern is that the performance of the hygroscopic propellant itself can be easily and often detrimentally impacted by the environmental conditions in which the propellant is stored. The sensitivity of the propellant can often result in “hang fires” where the ignition of the propellant charge is delayed or the propellant charge fails to ignite altogether. Hang fires are frequent occurrences and create a substantial risk for the user. The conventional approach to dealing with a hang fire is to point the muzzleloader in a safe direction until the muzzleloader fires or until sufficient time has passed to reasonably assume that the propellant charge failed to ignite altogether. The unloading process through the muzzle of the muzzleloader is particularly dangerous in hang fire situations as the propellant charge may ignite during the actual unloading process. Similarly, unloading through a breech plug can similarly be dangerous as the propellant charge may ignite as the breech plug is removed. 
         [0012]    Another safety concern unique to muzzleloaders is an undersized or oversized propellant charge. Unlike cartridge firearms where the amount of propellant loaded for each shot is limited by the internal volume of the cartridge, theoretically, the amount of propellant loaded for each shot in muzzleloaders is only limited by the length of the barrel. While measures are often used to provide a constant quantity of propellant for each propellant charge, the measures can be difficult to use in the field or in low light situation when hunting often occurs. Similarly, propellant can be formed into the pre-sized pellets that can be loaded one at a time until the appropriate amount of propellant is loaded. As with measuring the quantity of powder, errors can occur in loading the appropriate number of pellets. Embodiments of the invention address the above issues. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    A muzzle-loader bullet system includes a pre-packaged propellant charge and primer for providing efficient loading and unloading of the muzzleloader. The muzzleloader accepts in the breech end the propellant containment vessel that abuts against or is proximate a constriction portion with a reduced diameter portion. The propellant containment vessel may have an end portion with a tapered surface that conforms to the constriction portion surface. A projectile is inserted in the muzzle end and seats at the opposite side of the constriction portion from the propellant. The propellant containment vessel may be received in a removable breech plug. The constriction portion may be part of the breech plug or a separate component secured in the barrel by way of the breech plug or independent of the breech plug. The containment vessel further comprises a primer mechanism that may be integrated into the proximal end of the containment vessel. 
         [0014]    A feature and advantage of the muzzleloader and bullet system is providing enhanced performance and safety. The muzzle loading system comprises an energetic system with a pre-packaged propellant charge that is breech loaded, providing efficient loading and unloading of the muzzleloader and with means that preclude loading of the bullet in the breech. 
         [0015]    A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention is that the breech loading or unloading of the propellant charge allows for safe separation of the propellant charge from the bullet loaded within the barrel. When it is desired to unload the muzzleloader, the propellent containment vessel is removed, unfired, and the bullet can then be safely pulled or pushed down the barrel and removed from the muzzleloader without risk that the inadvertent or delayed ignition of the propellant charge will fire the projectile. 
         [0016]    A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention the breech portion comprises a nozzle or constriction portion between the propellant containment vessel and the projectile. The nozzle or constriction portion focuses and accelerates the propellant gases generated from the ignited propellant charge to improve the acceleration of the bullet within the barrel. 
         [0017]    A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention is that the containment vessel can comprise the integrated primer and be factory loaded or preloaded with a premeasured propellant charge. The primer and loaded containment vessel simplifies the loading process by combining the propellant measuring and loading steps with the primer positioning steps. The containment vessel can also serve to protect the propellant charge from environmental factors that could impact the ignition of the propellant charge. 
         [0018]    A muzzleloader, according to a present invention, comprises a barrel, a breech plug, an external hammer. The breech plug is insertable into the breech end of the barrel and defines an axial chamber extending through the breech plug and aligning with the internal bore of the barrel. A containment vessel comprising an integrated primer and a cup with a propellant charge is insertable into the axial chamber of the breech plug to define the breech end of the barrel, wherein the integrated primer is positioned to be struck with the external hammer to fire the muzzleloader. Similarly, the containment vessel can be removed from the axial chamber to unload the muzzleloader. 
         [0019]    A method of loading a muzzleloader, according an embodiment of the present invention, comprises providing a breech plug defining an axial chamber extending through the breech plug. The method further comprises inserting the breech plug into a breech end of a barrel, wherein the axial chamber aligns with the internal bore of the barrel when the breech plug is inserted into barrel. The method also comprises preloading a containment vessel having an integrated primer with a propellant charge. The method further comprises inserting the containment vessel with the loaded propellant charge into the axial chamber of the breech plug to load the muzzleloader. A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention the method can also comprise removing the containment vessel from the axial chamber of the breech plug to unload the muzzleloader. 
         [0020]    A method, according to an embodiment of the present invention, of modifying a muzzleloading firearm to receive a breech loaded propellant charge, comprises: 
         [0021]    providing a muzzleloading firearm having a barrel having a bore running therethrough from a proximal end of the barrel to a distal end of the barrel, the bore including a proximal bore portion and a distal bore portion, with an axial channel defined in the proximal bore portion, 
         [0022]    sizing the axial channel in the proximal bore portion to define a chamber, wherein the chamber is sized to fittingly receive a containment vessel, the containment vessel being configured to receive a propellant charge, and 
         [0023]    modifying the barrel to provide a constriction portion at a position between the chamber and the distal bore portion, wherein the constriction portion prevents a muzzle loaded bore-diameter projectile from entering the chamber from the distal end of the bore. 
         [0024]    A method, according to an embodiment of the present invention, of modifying a muzzleloading firearm to receive a removable breech plug, comprises: 
         [0025]    providing a muzzleloading firearm having a barrel having a bore running therethrough from a proximal end of the barrel to a distal end of the barrel, the bore including a proximal bore portion and a distal bore portion, with an axial channel defined in the proximal bore portion, 
         [0026]    sizing the axial channel in the proximal bore portion to define a chamber, wherein the chamber is sized to fittingly receive a removable breech plug, and 
         [0027]    modifying the barrel to provide a constriction portion at a position between the chamber and the distal bore portion, wherein the constriction portion prevents a muzzle loaded bore-diameter projectile from entering the chamber from the distal end of the bore. 
         [0028]    A method, according to an embodiment of the present invention, of modifying a firearm to receive an adapter breech plug, comprises the steps of: 
         [0029]    providing a firearm having a barrel having a bore running therethrough from a proximal end of the barrel to a distal end of the barrel, the bore including a proximal bore portion and a distal bore portion, with an axial channel defined in the proximal bore portion, 
         [0030]    sizing the axial channel in the proximal bore portion to define a chamber, wherein the chamber is sized to fittingly receive an adapter breech plug, the adapter breech plug being configured to receive a propellant charge, and 
         [0031]    modifying the barrel to provide a constriction portion at a position between the chamber and the distal bore portion, wherein the constriction portion prevents a muzzle loaded bore-diameter projectile from entering the chamber from the distal end of the bore. 
         [0032]    A method, according to an embodiment of the present invention, of modifying an adapter breech plug to be breech received by a muzzleloading firearm, comprises the steps of: 
         [0033]    providing a muzzleloading firearm having a barrel having a bore running therethrough from a proximal end of the barrel to a distal end of the barrel, the bore including a proximal bore portion and a distal bore portion, with an axial channel defined in the proximal bore portion, the axial channel in the proximal bore portion defining a chamber, 
         [0034]    preparing an adapter breech plug having a diameter and outer surface, the adapter breech plug being configured to receive a propellant charge, 
         [0035]    sizing and shaping the diameter and outer surface of the adapter breech plug to conform to the chamber, wherein the adapter breech plug is sized to be fittingly received in the chamber, and 
         [0036]    modifying the barrel to provide a constriction portion at a position between the chamber and the distal bore portion, wherein the constriction portion prevents a muzzle loaded bore-diameter projectile from entering the chamber from the distal end of the bore. 
         [0037]    In embodiments of the invention, moisture concerns normally associated with the very hygroscopic black powder (and black powder substitute) propellants are minimized due to the sealed vessel design. Embodiment provide enhanced ease of use in unloading all energetics from system at any time compared to most conventional muzzleloaders that require the removal of the breech plug in order to remove propellant, and precise loading compaction of the black powder propellant. 
         [0038]    The above summary of the various representative embodiments of the invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the invention. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the invention. The Figures in the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0039]    The invention can be completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0040]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional side view of a muzzleloader barrel for use with the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of a muzzleloader barrel with a propellant charge positioned at a breech end of the barrel and a conventional bullet positioned at a muzzle end of the barrel. 
           [0042]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional side view of the muzzleloader barrel depicted in  FIG. 2 , with the conventional bullet pushed partially through the barrel with a ramrod. 
           [0043]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side view of the muzzleloader barrel depicted in  FIG. 2  with the conventional bullet seated against the propellant charge in the breech end of the barrel. 
           [0044]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader according to an embodiment of the present invention in the pre-fired condition. 
           [0045]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view of a containment vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional side view of a containment vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0048]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader according to an embodiment of the present invention in the pre-fired condition. 
           [0049]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader according to an embodiment of the present invention in the pre-fired condition. 
           [0050]      FIG. 11  is an end view of a constriction portion according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0051]      FIG. 12  is an end view of a constriction portion according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 13  is an end view of a constriction portion according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0053]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader in the pre-fired condition. 
           [0054]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader according to an embodiment of the present invention in the pre-fired condition. 
           [0055]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader in the pre-fired condition. 
           [0056]      FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader according to an embodiment of the present invention in the pre-fired condition. 
           [0057]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader in the pre-fired condition. 
           [0058]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional side view of a breech end of a muzzleloader according to an embodiment of the present invention wherein the breech plug secures a constriction portion and a propellant cartridge is in place in a bore sized to the constriction portion. 
       
    
    
       [0059]    While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been depicted by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0060]    As depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 , a muzzleloader  20 , for use with the present invention, generally comprises a barrel  22  having a breech  23 , a breech end  26 , and a muzzle end  24 . The barrel  22  can comprise a smooth bore (not shown) or a rifled bore  31  as depicted in  FIGS. 2-4 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the muzzleloader  20  is conventionally loaded with a projectile  25  at the muzzle end and pushing the projectile down the bore towards the breech end  26  until the projectile is seated. The breech is accessed for loading of the propellant as shown in  FIG. 3  and a propellant containment vessel  32  is inserted into the breech loaded. The breech is closed as shown in  FIG. 4  and is ready for firing. 
         [0061]    As depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the muzzleloader  20 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, can comprise the barrel  22  having an open breech end  26 , a breech portion  27 , and a projectile bore portion  29 , and a projectile bore  31 . In this configuration, the muzzleloader  20  can further comprise a breech plug  30  and a propellant containment vessel  32 . The breech plug  30  defines an axial channel  34  extending through the breech plug  30 . The axial channel  34  extends the effective length of the bore of the barrel  22  when the breech plug  30  is placed in the breech end  26  of the barrel  22 . The containment vessel  32  further defines an axial cavity  36  having an open end  38  and a closed end  40 . In some aspects of the invention, the open end  38  may be closed so as to wholly contain the propellant charge for easier handling of the containment vessel  32 .  FIG. 7  shows a containment vessel  32  having and open end  38 .  FIG. 8  shows an aspect of the invention, wherein the containment vessel  32  comprises containment mechanism  62 . In the embodiment shown, the containment mechanism is crimping. 
         [0062]    In operation, a propellant charge  28  can be loaded into the axial cavity  36  of the containment vessel  32 . A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention the open end  38  of the containment vessel  32  can comprises a containment mechanism, such as inward crimping  62  (shown in  FIG. 8 ), can be crimped inwards after the propellant charge  28 , as depicted in  FIG. 5 , to maintain the propellant charge  28  with the containment vessel  32  following loading of the propellant charge  28 . The loaded containment vessel  32  can then be positioned within the axial channel  34  with the open end  38  oriented toward the barrel  22 , wherein the closed end  40  of the containment vessel  32  operates as effective breech end  26  of the barrel  22 . A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention the containment vessel  32  can comprise an integrated primer  42  in the closed end  40  of the containment vessel  32  that can be struck with an external hammer to ignite the propellant charge  28  and fire the muzzleloader  20 . In this configuration, the primer  42  and propellant charge  28  can be loaded as a single energetic system for firing the muzzleloader  20 . After firing or during unloading, the containment vessel  432  can be removed axial channel  46  and replaced with a new containment vessel  32  or remain unloaded. A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention the containment vessel  32  further comprises a rim  56  for gripping the containment vessel  32  for removal of the containment vessel  32 . 
         [0063]    As depicted in  FIG. 6 , a muzzleloader  20 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, can comprise a barrel  44  having an axial channel  46  through the breech end  48  of the barrel  44 , wherein the axial channel  46  is adapted to receive a containment vessel  32 . In this embodiment, the constriction portion  54  is unitary with the barrel defining a reduced diameter channel portion  55  that leads to a projectile bore portion  58 . In this configuration, the barrel  44  can further comprise an engagement mechanism  50  for securing the barrel  44  to the mount assembly for a conventional firearm or muzzleloader such that the barrel  44  can be interchanged with a conventional muzzleloader barrel  22 . 
         [0064]    As depicted in the Figures, the breech plug  30  or the barrel  44  can be operated with a break action muzzleloader or a reconfigured break action rifle. In this configuration, the hammer receiver portion  57  secures the breech at the propellant containment vessel  32  to prevent the containment vessel  32  from moving rearward from the breech end  26 , during firing. 
         [0065]    As depicted in  FIGS. 5-8 , the axial channel  34  may comprise a vessel chamber  52  for receiving the containment vessel  32  and a nozzle or constriction portion  54 . The constriction portion  54  is positioned between the propellant charge  28  and the bullet  25  when the containment vessel  32  is loaded into the vessel chamber  52 . The constriction portion  54  accelerates the propellant gases generated from the ignition of the propellant charge  28  to improve the propulsion of the bullet from the barrel  44 . In an aspect of the invention, the vessel chamber  52  which receives the containment vessel  32  is formed in the axial chamber  46  of the breech plug  30 , as shown in  FIG. 5  and, in another aspect, the vessel chamber  52  which receives the containment vessel  32  is formed in the axial chamber  46  of the breech end  48  of the barrel  44 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0066]    As depicted in  FIG. 5 , a muzzleloader  20 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, can further comprise a barrel  22  having an open breech end  26 . In this configuration, the muzzleloader  20  can further comprise a breech plug  30  and a containment vessel  32 . The breech plug  30  defines an axial channel  34  extending through the breech plug  30 . The axial channel  34  extends the effective length of the bore of the barrel  22  when the breech plug  30  is placed in the breech end  26  of the barrel  22 . The containment vessel  32  further defines an axial cavity  36  having an open end  38  and a closed end  40 . 
         [0067]    In operation, a propellant charge  28  can be loaded into the axial cavity  36  of the containment vessel  32 . A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention the open end  38  of the containment vessel  32  can be crimped inwards after the propellant charge  28 , as depicted in  FIG. 5 , to maintain the propellant charge  28  with the containment vessel  32  following loading of the propellant charge  28 . The loaded containment vessel  32  can then be positioned within the axial channel  34  with the open end  38  distally oriented toward the barrel  22 , wherein the closed end  40  of the containment vessel  32  operates as the effective breech end  26  of the barrel  22 . A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention the containment vessel  32  can comprise an integrated primer  42  in the closed end  40  of the containment vessel  32  that can be struck with an external hammer to ignite the propellant charge  28  and fire the muzzleloader  20 . In this configuration, the primer  42  and propellant charge  28  can be loaded as a single energetic system for firing the muzzleloader  20 . After firing or during unloading, the containment vessel  32  can be removed axial channel  46  and replaced with a new containment vessel  32  or remain unloaded. A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention the containment vessel  32  further comprises a rim  56  for gripping the containment vessel  32  for removal of the containment vessel  32 . 
         [0068]    As depicted in  FIG. 6 , a muzzleloader  20 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, can comprise a barrel  44  having an axial channel  46  through the breech end  48  of the barrel  44 , wherein the axial channel  46  is adapted to receive a containment vessel  32 . In this configuration, the barrel  44  can further comprise an engagement mechanism  50  for securing the barrel  44  to the mount assembly for a conventional firearm or muzzleloader such that the barrel  44  can be interchanged with a conventional muzzleloader barrel  22 . 
         [0069]    As depicted in  FIGS. 5-8 , the breech plug  30  or the barrel  44  can be operated with a break action muzzleloader or a reconfigured break action rifle. In this configuration, the hammer block engages at least the rim  56  of the containment vessel  32  to prevent the containment vessel  32  from moving rearward from the breech end  26 ,  48  of the barrel  22 ,  44  during firing as a result of the back blast from ignited propellant charge  28 . 
         [0070]    As depicted in both  FIGS. 5-8 , the axial channel  34  can further comprise a vessel chamber  52  for receiving the vessel  32  and a constriction portion  54 . The constriction portion  54  is positioned between the propellant charge  28  and the bullet when the containment vessel  52  is loaded into the vessel chamber  52 . The constriction portion  54  may accelerate the propellant gases generated from the ignition of the propellant charge  28  to improve the propulsion of the bullet from the barrel  22 ,  44 . 
         [0071]    As depicted in  FIG. 9 , a containment vessel receiving muzzleloader  120 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, is configured to receive a containment vessel  132  within the breech region  101  of the muzzleloader instead of a breech plug. The muzzleloader  120  can further comprise a barrel  122  having a distal end  123  and having an open breech end  126  at a proximal end  127 . In this configuration, the muzzleloader  120  can further comprise an axial channel  134  in the proximal end  127  of the barrel  122 . The axial channel  134  defines a vessel chamber  152  and a containment vessel  132  contained within the vessel chamber  152 . The containment vessel  132  further defines an axial cavity  136  having a distal closed end  162  and a proximal closed end  140  configured to receive the propellant charge  128 . The axial channel  134  extends the effective length  135  of the bore  137  of the barrel  122  at a proximal bore portion  159 . The proximal bore portion  159  and the axial channel  134  and vessel chamber  152  defined therein are separated from a distal bore portion  160  by a narrowing internal shoulder  162  at the distal end of axial channel  134  and at the proximal end of the distal bore portion  160 . 
         [0072]    In operation, a propellant charge  128 ,  28  can be loaded into the axial cavity  136 ,  438  of the containment vessel  132 ,  432 . A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention the containment vessel has an open end  438  and, in another aspect, has a closed end  462  to contain the propellant charge  128 ,  28  within the containment vessel  132 ,  432  following loading of the propellant charge  128 ,  28 , as depicted in  FIGS. 7-8 . The loaded containment vessel  132  can then be positioned within the axial channel  134  with the end  162  (in the case shown in  FIG. 9 , closed end  162 ,  462 ) oriented distally toward the barrel  22 , wherein the closed end  162  of the containment vessel  132  operates as effective breech end of the barrel  122 . A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention the containment vessel  132  can comprise an integrated primer  142  in the closed end  140  of the containment vessel  132  that can be struck with an external hammer  174  to ignite the propellant charge  128  and fire the muzzleloader  120 . In this configuration, the primer  142  and propellant charge  128  can be loaded as a single energetic system for firing the muzzleloader  120 . After firing or during unloading, the containment vessel  132  can be removed via the axial channel  134  and replaced with a new containment vessel  132  or remain unloaded. A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention the containment vessel  132  further comprises a rim  156  for gripping the containment vessel  132  for removal of the containment vessel  132 . 
         [0073]    A method of manufacturing or retrofitting a containment vessel receiving muzzleloader  120  which utilizes a containment vessel  132  comprises providing a muzzleloader having a barrel  122  which has a bore running therethrough from a proximal end of the bore to a distal end of the bore. The bore includes a proximal bore portion  159  and a distal bore portion  137 , with an axial channel  134  defined in the proximal bore portion  159 , and a narrowing internal shoulder  162  within the bore separating the proximal bore portion from the distal bore portion. The method also comprises sizing the axial channel  134  to define a vessel chamber  152 , wherein the vessel chamber is sized to fittingly receive a containment vessel  132 . The method further comprises inserting or integrally forming within the bore a forcing cone  164  at a position within the bore proximally adjacent the narrowing shoulder  162 . 
         [0074]    As depicted in  FIG. 10 , the containment vessel receiving muzzleloader  120  shown in  FIG. 9 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, can comprise a removable breech plug  176  instead of a containment vessel  132 . The removable breech plug is sized to be fittingly received within the vessel chamber  152  and allow the muzzlerloader to be loaded in a conventional manner. The removable breech plug  176  has a distal end  178  and a proximal end  180 , wherein, when fitted into the vessel chamber  152 , the distal end  178  abuts against the forcing cone  164 . The removable breech plug  176  can include an integrated primer  142  in its proximal end  180 , a flash passage  182  extending from the primer  142  to and opening up at the distal end  178 , and an otherwise solid body  181 . In an aspect of the invention the removable breech plug does not have any outer threads and is installed with a slidable fit. The primer  142  can be struck with an external hammer  174  to ignite the propellant charge  128 , which is loaded through the distal end  123  of the barrel  122  with the bullet and fire the muzzleloader  120 . In this embodiment, the propellant charge  128  is loaded with the bullet and is positioned distal to the internal shoulder  162  and the forcing cone  164 . After firing or during unloading, the removable breech plug  176  can remain and be used with a further load or can be removed via the axial channel  134  and replaced with a containment vessel  132  or remain unloaded. A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention the removable breech plug  176  further comprises a rim  157  for gripping the removable breech plug  176  and insertion of a containment vessel  132 . 
         [0075]      FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate the breech region of a representative commercial muzzleloader barrel  119  ( FIG. 14 ), having a conventional breech plug  186  ( FIG. 14  illustrates a ‘ 209  primer adapter’) with a securing plug  129 , and a muzzleloader  120 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, having a containment vessel  132 . The Figures show the differences between the two, including the construction or retrofit of the axial channel  134  in muzzleloader  120  and the inclusion of a conventional, threaded-in  187  breech plug  186  in the commercial muzzleloader  119 , as opposed to the slidably received containment vessel  132  of inventive muzzleloader  120 . A further difference is the inclusion of the forcing cone  164  in the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 15 . In the convention muzzleloader  119 , the propellant  128  and bullet are loaded at the distal barrel end, resulting in the propellant sitting directly on the breech plug  186  and the bullet sitting right on the propellant. After firing, the propellant residue remains in the barrel in the position where the next propellant and bullet are to be placed. Cleaning may need to be accomplished by removing the plug  186 . In contrast, in the inventive muzzleloader  120 , the propellant  128  in the containment vessel  132  is in the vessel chamber  152  within the axial channel  134 , which is spaced and separated from the bullet by the internal shoulder  162  and the forcing cone  164 . Further, after firing the propellant casing is easily removable out the proximal end of the barrel, minimizing cleaning and allowing for quicker reload. The present invention provides ease of use, minimizes moisture concerns with the very hygroscopic black powder (and black powder substitute) propellants due to the sealed vessel design. 
         [0076]    In a method, commercial barrels, such as the one shown in  FIG. 14 , can be altered and retrofitted to receive a containment vessel  132  or removable plug  176  according to the invention by resizing the axial channel of the breech end of the barrel so as to receive a containment vessel  132  or removable plug  176  and include an internal shoulder  162 , and fitting the distal end of the resized axial channel  134  with a forcing cone  164  and abutting said forcing cone  164  proximally against the internal shoulder within the axial channel  134 . A further aspect of the present inventive method is inserting an adapter breech plug that is fittingly receivable into the axial channel of the commercial barrel, wherein the adapter breech plug includes an axial channel sized to receive a containment vessel  132  and wherein a forcing cone  164  is positioned within the distal end of the axial channel  134  of the commercial barrel  119  or within the distal end of the axial channel of the adapter breech plug. An embodiment of an adapter breech plug is illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
         [0077]    As further depicted in  FIG. 15 , the muzzleloader  120 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises a barrel  122  having an axial channel  134  through the breech end  126  of the barrel  122 , wherein the axial channel  134  is adapted to receive a containment vessel  132 . In this configuration, the barrel  122  can further comprise an engagement mechanism  150  for securing the barrel  122  to the mount assembly  151  (seen in  FIG. 17 ) for a conventional firearm or muzzleloader such that the barrel  444  can be interchanged with another muzzleloader barrel. 
         [0078]      FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate the barrels of  FIGS. 14 and 15 , respectively, with the barrels engaged and secured to mount assemblies  151  via the engagement mechanisms  150  and the break actions open. 
         [0079]    As depicted in  FIG. 17 , barrel  122  shown in  FIG. 15  can be operated with a break action muzzleloader or a reconfigured break action rifle utilizing either a containment vessel  134 , a removable plug  176  or an containment vessel containing adapter plug (as shown in  FIG. 18 ). In this configuration, the hammer block  175  engages at least the rim  156  of the containment vessel  132  to prevent the containment vessel  132  from moving rearward from the breech end  126  of the barrel  122  during firing as a result of the back blast from ignited propellant charge  128 . 
         [0080]    As depicted in  FIG. 18 , in a further embodiment of the invention, the containment vessel  132  within the vessel chamber  152  can be replaced with an adapter breech plug  190 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , the adapter breech plug  190  is sized to be received within the vessel chamber  152  like the containment vessel  132 . The adapter breech plug  190  further defines an axial cavity  192  having a proximal closed end  194  and a distal open end  196  configured to receive a propellant charge  128  of a smaller size. The distal end  196  of the adapter breech plug  190  can be formed to be fittingly received into the conical portion of the forcing cone through the top end  168 . The axial cavity  192  extends the effective length  135  of the bore  137  of the barrel  122  at a proximal bore portion  159  to the forcing cone  164 . The wall  198  of the adapter breech plug  190  can be varied to alter the diameter of the axial cavity  192  allowing for the snug fit of propellant charges of different sizes. A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention the adapter breech plug  190  can comprise an integrated primer  142  in the closed end  140  of the adapter breech plug  190  that can be struck with an inline firing pin  191  actuated by an external hammer  174  to ignite the propellant charge  128  and fire the muzzleloader  120 . In this configuration, in use, the primer  142  and propellant charge  128  can be loaded as a single energetic system for firing the muzzleloader  120 . After firing or during unloading, the adapter breech plug  190  can be removed via the axial channel  134  and the propellant charge can be replaced with a propellant charge or remain unloaded. O-rings as illustrated may be utilized to effectuate a seal and retention of the plug. A feature and advantage of embodiments of the invention the adapter breech plug  190  further comprises a rim  156  for gripping the adapter breech plug  190  for removal of the adapter breech plug  190 . 
         [0081]    A further aspect of the invention and method of the present inventive is that the adapter breech plug  190  and forcing cone  164  can be sized with regard to their outer diameters, lengths and outer surfaces to accommodate axial channels of other commercially available muzzleloaders. By way example, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the adapter breech plug  190  can be adjusted in a size and configuration to conform to the axial channel  134  of the barrel  119 . In this case, the adapter breech plug is adapted by increase its diameter, which in this case results in a thicker wall  198 , and conform the outer surface  600  to the inner surface of the axial channel  134  of the barrel  119 . In this case, the outer surface  600  is threaded. For the conversion of the energetic system to conform to barrel  119 , the forcing ring  164  can also be altered to conform to the distal end  602  of the axial channel  134  of the barrel  119 . The distal end  196  of the adapter breech plug  190  can be similarly adjusted to form fit into the conical portion of the forcing cone through the top end  168 . The axial cavity  192  can also be increased in diameter to receive a larger containment vessel  132 . 
         [0082]    In a method, providing a muzzleloader having an axial channel in its barrel at its proximal breech end and providing an adapter breech plug having or constructing it to have an outer surface that is fittingly receivable into the axial channel of the barrel, wherein the adapter breech plug includes an axial channel sized to receive a containment vessel and wherein a forcing cone is positioned within the distal end of the axial channel of the barrel or within the distal end of the axial channel of the adapter breech plug. 
         [0083]    As used herein, propellant charges can be any propellant suitable for muzzleloader firing, including, propellant powder and propellant pellets. While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been depicted by way of example in the drawings and described in detail. It is understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
         [0084]    The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes. 
         [0085]    All of the features disclosed in this specification (including the references incorporated by reference, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. 
         [0086]    Each feature disclosed in this specification (including references incorporated by reference, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
         [0087]    The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any incorporated by reference references, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes. 
         [0088]    Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose could be substituted for the specific examples shown. This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be defined by the attached claims and their legal equivalents, as well as the following illustrative aspects. The above described aspects embodiments of the invention are merely descriptive of its principles and are not to be considered limiting. Further modifications of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention.