Both blackpowder and blackpowder substitutes have their uses. Competitors should remember, however, that blackpowder and blackpowder substitutes are not always listed in the same explosive category for transportation purposes. The shooter who intends to fly to matches across the country may find that some airlines prohibit carrying blackpowder, especially in amounts required for extended contests. While only lead balls, bullets, or shot are used, serious shooters often cast their own projectiles, inspect and weigh them for consistency, and experiment with variables such as powder and priming charges, patch thickness, projectile composition and alloys, and differing brands of percussion caps. Lead balls and bullets can be swaged or cast.
Slug guns are the cutting edge in muzzle-loading technology.
Still, most slug-gun competitions are decided, not by points, but by the number of Xs shot. Regardless of the firearm used, hearing protection is strongly advised and high-quality shooting glasses provide protection against flying debris such as bits of flint or copper shards from detonating caps. Shooting clothes can be anything that is comfortable, but if the reenacting bug bites you there are plenty of suppliers offering to sell blanket coats, capotes, or buckskins for period costumes. The ball, bullet, or shot charge must load from the muzzle must and be ignited by an approved ignition system, usually sidelock or under-hammer utilizing percussion caps, or a flintlock. Handguns range from flint and percussion pistols to percussion revolvers.