There are a number of interesting questions asked about muzzleloaders. Some of these can be methodically studied, and some are solely a matter of "Art".

This web page is devoted to black-powder and muzzleloading experiments and topics related to the physics of black powder shooting. A number of people, both past and present, have looked at these, but I couldn't resist some tinkering of my own. I will include both data of my own and links to other experimeter's sites.

If anyone has material they want to add to this collection, please email me Stephen Wardlaw, M.D.

Safety Issues

	Why Can a Short-started Ball Cause a Barrel Bulge?
	Can a Static Electricity Spark Set Off Black Powder?

Loading, Loads and Lubes

	What Is The Best Way To Measure Accuracy?
	Another website about accuracy!
	How Accurately Can a Ball Be Cast?
	How Does Load Compression Affect Shooting?
	Honey As a Patch Lubricant?
	Which Muzzle-loading Lubricants/Lubes Have Good Anti-corrosion Properties?
	Which Other Muzzle-loading Lubricants/Lubes Have Good Anti-corrosion Properties?

Black Powder and Other Propellants

	From Switzerland, An Excellent Web Page About Black Powder Composition
	How Fast Does Black Powder Burn?

Locks, Ballistics and the Physics of Firing

	A Round Ball Ballistics Calculator
	Parlor Pistol Ballistics
	Ballistics of a Bullet-Shooting Crossbow

Construction and Experimental Arms

	An Electrically Fired Black Powder Rifle
	The Electrical Ignition of Gunpowder New! 9 January, 2012 Video Added! 10 January, 2012
	A Breechloading Flintlock Pistol!
	What Is The Best Way To Temper A Mainspring?
	Building a Manton V-Pan Lock
	A Modular Black Powder Pistol
	Construction Of The Modular Pistol