Seating Bullets on Black Powder with Ramrods or Levers - BOOM ?

[CaseHardened]

Ok, been reading up on BP Flintlock and Percussion quite a bit.

Everyone says it is vital that the Ball / Bullet be firmly seated onto the Powder or Propellant Pellet; if there is a space an explosion will occur, at best bulging the barrel - at worst blowing up in your face !

On the other hand, I worry about using a Ramrod or Built-In Loading Lever too aggressively, lest the impact or pressure cause the propellant to explode.

Is my concern valid ?

 

[Maninblue1861]

i wouldnt suggest turning the rifle upside down and pile drive the rammer on the ground to really seat it or using a mallet. but ramming with a couple snug hits wont bother it

 

[majspud]

Ditto. I've had to throw the ramrod down to settle the ball the last inch or so a couple of times.

Also helps settle the skirt for a mini-ball.

T