What is "dry balling" in muzzleloading?

"Dry balling" refers to the act of attempting to fire a muzzleloader without any powder charge in the barrel. This occurs when the shooter loads a projectile, such as a bullet or a patch and ball, but neglects to include the necessary black powder or substitute propellant. Firing a muzzleloader in this manner can lead to significant safety hazards, including potential damage to the firearm, as the projectile may become lodged in the barrel. Subsequently, if the shooter then attempts to load and fire another round without first removing the obstruction, it can result in a catastrophic failure of the firearm. Therefore, understanding what dry balling is and how to prevent it is crucial for safe muzzleloading practices.