What might a "smokeless powder" do if used in a muzzleloader designed for black powder?

Using smokeless powder in a muzzleloader that is specifically designed for black powder can lead to catastrophic failure due to the higher pressures generated by smokeless powder. Black powder operates at relatively low pressures, and the design of muzzleloaders typically accommodates these lower pressure levels.

When smokeless powder is loaded into a firearm engineered for black powder, it can produce pressures that far exceed the safe limits of the muzzleloader's materials and construction. This increased pressure may result in structural failure, such as bursting or cracking of the barrel, which poses a significant risk of injury to the shooter and bystanders.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the dangers associated with this type of misuse. While smokeless powder might have advantages in other types of firearms, using it in a muzzleloader designed for black powder is highly unsafe and should always be avoided.