What type of powder is traditionally used in muzzleloading firearms?

The type of powder traditionally used in muzzleloading firearms is black powder or black powder substitutes. Black powder, which dates back to the 9th century, is a mixture of saltpeter (potassium nitrate), charcoal, and sulfur. This combination creates a low-energy explosive that ignites when struck by a spark, producing significant smoke and gas that propel a projectile out of the barrel.

Black powder substitutes, such as pyrodex, are designed to replicate the performance of traditional black powder while reducing hazards associated with its use, such as greater sensitivity to moisture and the production of large amounts of smoke. These substitutes generally burn cleaner and produce less fouling, making them popular among modern muzzleloading enthusiasts.

Smokeless powder, while effective in modern firearms, operates on a different chemical principle, producing far less smoke and being used in cartridge ammunition rather than in traditional muzzleloaders. Powdered metal and compressed air are not suitable for propulsion in muzzleloading firearms either, as they do not produce the rapid release of gases required to propel a projectile effectively.