Caution – Traditions Vortek Ultralight User Manual

Page 16

2. The term “black powder” does not refer to any powder

black in color, since modern smokeless powders are also

black in color.

3. Be certain that the propellant you select is commercially

manufactured black powder, Pyrodex

or Triple 7

are for

use in muzzleloaders.

Caution:

NEvER SMOKE WhILE LOADINg, ShOOTINg

OR hANDLINg PROPELLANTS. ALWAYS FOLLOW

ThE MANUFACTURER’S SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

AS LISTED ON ThE PROPELLANT CONTAINER.

PREPARING TO LOAD THE PROPELLANT:
1. Wear eye protection.
2. Make certain the gun is unloaded.

a. Push safety button to “safe”.

b. Remove Ramrod from barrel Thimbles

c. unscrew jag from ramrod and reverse 180 degrees so

that concave (hollowed end) is exposed.

d. Re-thread jag so that the concave (hollowed end) is out.

This will make the ramrod longer and provide the

proper length.

e. Insert the ramrod into the barrel. When it is touching

the top of the breech plug I it should sit approximately

3/4” below the muzzle. (Note: The top of the Ramrod

should be just underneath the PAS system ends and the

barrel rifling starts)

Note: You should hear a metallic sound as the jag makes

contact with the breech plug.

If the ramrod is not 3/4” below the muzzle and you do not hear

the metallic sound then the barrel may be either obstructed or

loaded. To remove the obstruction, remove the breech plug. Do

not attempt to clear the barrel by firing. Before loading anything

into the barrel, clean all oil and grease from inside the barrel. We

recommend using Traditions cleaning products to enhance your

accuracy and ease shooting & cleaning.
To clear the ignition channel follow these steps.
Point the rifle down towards a safe area on the ground and load

a primer into nipple area of the breech plug. Fire one or two

primers to blow out any oil or residue from the fire channel.

Point the muzzle at a leaf or blade of grass to see if it moves. If it

moves, you have a clear channel. If not, fire additional primers or

check the breech plug for obstructions.
Another way to see if you have a clear fire

channel is to screw a loading/cleaning jag

on your ramrod and place a dry patch on the

muzzle of your rifle. Push the patch down

to the breech plug face and leave ramrod &

patch in bore. Point rifle in a safe direction,

place primer in nipple area of the breech plug

and fire two primers. Remove ramrod from the bore and inspect

patch. Patch should have a complete circular burn in middle. This

tells you that you have a clear fire channel.
Stand the butt of the rifle on the ground so that the muzzle is

pointed up and away from you and others. Never work with your

face or any part of your body over the muzzle, even when the gun

is unloaded.
Be sure that the firearm is unprimed and the safeties are

engaged. Your rifle is now ready to be loaded.

LOADINg ThE POWDER FOR MUZZLELOADINg RIFLES:
Use only Black Powder, Pyrodex

loose or pelletized powder

or Triple 7

loose or pelletized powder. Follow

the Powder Manufacturer’s Instructions when

handling any type of powder. Make sure to

reduce your charge by 15% when using Triple

loose powder.

When loading loose powder:
a. Fill your Traditions flask with powder.
b. Adjust your Traditions powder measure to the

desired charge. See Section XVI.