Is an open breeched muzzleloader legal?

by Kenneth
(Florida)

December 2, 2010, QUESTION: Is an open breeched muzzleloader considered legal during primitive weapons season? Thanks, Kenneth.

ANSWER: Good question, Kenneth. There has been some confusion
over this in the last few years. First let's cover two modern in-line muzzleloaders that are NOT legal in Florida during the muzzleloading gun season: the CVA Electra muzzleloader and the Savage ML-10 Smokeless Muzzleloader.

Now on to what IS legal. Muzzleoading guns firing single bullets must be at least .40-caliber. Muzzleloading guns firing two or more balls must be 20-gauge or larger.

You also must have a $5 Muzzleloading Gun Season Permit as well as a hunting license. The only muzzleloaders that can be used during this time are those that take black powder or a non-nitro-cellulose substitute and are fired by wheel lock, flintlock, percussion cap or centerfire primer (including 209 primers). Muzzleloaders using smokeless powder, those that can be loaded from the breech or those with self-contained cartridge ammunition capabilities are not legal during this period.

Hope this clears it up for you.

Kenny Presnell
www.Hunting-with-Kenny.com