System for loading a muzzle-loading firearm with smokeless or black powder

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and system of loading an in-line muzzle-loading firearm. A projectile is rammed into a muzzle end of a barrel of the in-line muzzle-loading firearm such that a bottom portion of the projectile is adjacent or in close proximity with the breech end of a breech plug. A pre-measured powder cartridge is then inserted within a cartridge receiving bore of the breech plug such that a forward end of the pre-measured powder cartridge is adjacent a bottom portion of the projectile and a rim of the cartridge engages a first annular lip of the breech plug. The cartridge may then be secured within the breech plug by action of a bolt mechanism or a break open receiver mechanism.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to muzzle-loading firearms, and more particularly, to a system and method for loading a muzzle-loading firearm with smokeless or black powder that is safer, provides better shooting accuracy, and requires less cleaning time in the case of using smokeless powder.

2. Related Art

A muzzleloader is one of the earliest types of gun, now also popular as modern-made replicas, in which black powder and projectiles are separately loaded in through the muzzle of a barrel. As known in the art, the term muzzle is used to refer to the discharging end of a firearm. Muzzle-loading firearms are typically loaded by measuring a predetermined amount of black powder out into a powder measure, pouring the measured powder down the muzzle, placing a wad in the muzzle end of the barrel, and then ramming a bullet on top of the wad and powder into a breech of the muzzleloader. Once this is accomplished, an ignition system or percussion cap is placed into the opposite end of the breech and the muzzleloader is ready to fire.

Conventional muzzle-loading firearms include a barrel that extends forward from a receiver. The rearward end of the barrel includes a breech that receives propellant and a projectile through the muzzle of the barrel. A breech plug may be threadably mounted in the receiver and seals the rearward end of the barrel, in the breech, to help prevent gases from blowing back into the receiver upon ignition of the propellant within the breech. In percussion muzzle-loaders, a nipple may be mounted in the rear end of the breach plug with a projecting rearward end adapted to receive a percussion cap thereon. When struck by a hammer or firing pin, the percussion cap is fired and ignition sparks travel through a central bore in the breech plug the length of the nipple to ignite the black powder in the breech. As set forth above, the ignition spark travels through an ignition bore in the breech plug to reach and ignite the propellant in the breech.

At the present time, only one known muzzle-loading firearm has been designed for use with smokeless powder, which is the Savage 10ML-II manufactured by Savage Arms, Inc. under U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,549 and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Smokeless powder was introduced as a black powder replacement in the 1880's. Besides generating less smoke, smokeless powder burns much cleaner and more efficiently than black powder, greatly reducing powder fouling and increasing the performance of firearms. Smokeless powder loads are also non-corrosive, more economical to shoot, perform better and are safer to handle than black powder or Pyrodex. Black powder contains a lot less energy-per-grain than smokeless powder and as such, more black powder is needed to achieve the same muzzle velocities. Although smokeless powders produce the same muzzle velocities as black powder, they do so at higher pressure levels (e.g. −25-40,000 psi versus 15-18,000 psi).

Smokeless powder does not explode when unconfined, unlike black powder, which makes smokeless powder safer to handle as opposed to black powder or Pyrodex. Technically, smokeless powder does not explode, but burns rapidly. Smokeless powders are classified as flammable solids. The rapid burning releases a volume of expanding gasses which, if confined in the chamber of a firearm, accelerate the bullet (or shot charge) down the barrel, producing a high muzzle velocity in a very short distance. As a result of the high pressure levels associated with smokeless powder, almost all muzzle-loading experts and gun powder manufacturers do not recommend using smokeless powder in muzzle-loading firearms because of the risk of damaging the firearm.

One concern with muzzle-loading centers on the possibility of burning material remaining in the barrel after a shot. If powder is poured into the barrel in this situation, the powder could ignite and possibly injure the shooter. Another major concern of the muzzle-loading shooter is whether the muzzleloader will fire when the trigger is pulled. Improved ignition is what has driven muzzleloader development over the course of time. Moisture in either the black powder or percussion cap can cause the muzzleloader not to fire.

Cleaning any muzzleloader has always been a major concern among shooters looking at muzzle-loading for the first time. The thought of having to thoroughly scrub corrosive fouling from the bore and other parts after every shooting session has kept many shooters from purchasing a muzzle-loading firearm. If smokeless powder could be used with in-line muzzle-loading firearms, this would eliminate many cleanings that are required from using black powder or Pyrodex.

As a result of the aforementioned problems, a need exists for a method and system of loading in-line muzzle-loading firearms with powder that is safe, provides improved accuracy, and allows the use of smokeless powder.

SUMMARY

The present invention discloses a method and system for loading an in-line muzzle-loading firearm as well as an in-line muzzle-loading firearm. The present invention eliminates the need for a shooter to pour a measured powder charge down a muzzle end of a barrel of the in-line muzzle-loading firearm, but still allows the shooter to load a projectile or bullet through the muzzle end of the barrel. A breech of the muzzle-loading firearm, or a breech plug in alternative embodiments, may be designed to hold a pre-measured powder cartridge. Preferentially, the pre-measured powder cartridge includes smokeless powder as the powder charge so that the in-line muzzle-loading firearm stays cleaner and requires less maintenance.

One illustrative method or process disclosed herein includes the step of ramming a projectile into the muzzle end of the barrel such that a bottom portion of the projectile is adjacent or in close proximity with the breech end of the breech plug. A pre-measured powder cartridge is then inserted within a cartridge receiving bore of the breech plug such that a forward end of the cartridge is adjacent or in close proximity with a bottom portion of the projectile and a rim of the cartridge engages a first annular recess of the breech plug. The pre-measured powder cartridge includes a pre-measured powder charge and a pre-sized wad, thereby eliminating the need for the shooter to measure powder, pour it into the breech of the firearm, and then ram a wad down on top of the powder. The pre-measured powder cartridge may then be secured within the breech plug by action of a bolt mechanism or by closing a break open receiver mechanism, as the case may be, both of which are commonly known and used in the art.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, an in-line muzzle-loading firearm may be designed or modified to use the breech and pre-measured powder cartridge combination disclosed by the present invention. The breech may or may not include a breech plug. The breech may include a cartridge receiving bore and an annular recess. The annular recess may be located at the loading end of the breech and is somewhat larger than the cartridge receiving bore such that a rim of a pre-measured powder cartridge may fit within an inside diameter of the first annular recess a predetermined distance when loaded in the breech. A cylindrical portion of the pre-measured powder cartridge fits within the cartridge receiving bore. In some embodiments, the cartridge receiving bore has a pre-determined depth and in other embodiments may travel the entire length of the breech.

The breech may include a ridge located at the barrel end of the breech that may have an inside diameter somewhat smaller than the inside diameter of the cartridge receiving bore. The ridge may be designed this way such that fixed ammunition cannot be loaded into the in-line muzzle-loading firearm. When the pre-measured powder cartridge is loaded in the breech, the cylindrical portion of the pre-measured powder cartridge includes a rearward or barrel end that is positioned adjacent or in close proximity with an inside edge of the ridge. Preferentially, an aperture formed by the ridge has an inside diameter that is just small enough so that fixed ammunition cannot be loaded into the breech.

A discharge opening of the cylindrical portion of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge is aligned with the aperture formed by the ridge. A projectile is positioned within the barrel such that the discharge opening of the cylindrical portion of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge, which is aligned with the aperture formed by the ridge, is adjacent or in close proximity with an edge of the projectile. Thus, when a firing mechanism triggers the pre-measured powder cartridge, the pressure generated from the ignition forces the projectile down the barrel and out the muzzle end of the barrel.

The present invention eliminates problems associated with having to measure powder in the field between shots as well as having to carry powder and a powder measuring device in the field. Carrying and handling powder in the field is inherently dangerous because powder is an explosive. Having a pre-measured powder charge eliminates the potential for having too much or to little powder, which has a direct impact on the overall accuracy of the firearm. In addition, the present invention significantly reduces reloading time between shots. If smokeless powder is used as the propellant in the pre-measured powder cartridge, it burns cleaner, is non-corrosive, more economical, performs better and is safer to handle than black powder or Pyrodex. This saves hours of cleaning time for the shooter. In addition, having a pre-measured powder charge in the pre-measured smokeless cartridge that is sealed by a wad thereby making it weather resistant significantly minimizes the chances for misfires caused by wet gun powder or wet percussion caps.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative in-line muzzle-loading firearm.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the in-line muzzle-loading firearm depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a breech plug and a smokeless powder cartridge.

FIG. 4 illustrates a breech plug and the components placed in the smokeless powder cartridge.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another in-line muzzle-loading firearm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, an in-line muzzle-loading firearm 10 is illustrated that includes a barrel 12, a receiver 14 and a gun stock 16. The barrel 12 extends forwardly from a forward end of the receiver 14 a predetermined length. The barrel 12 and receiver 14 may be connected with the gun stock 16. Although not specifically illustrated in FIG. 1, the barrel 12 may be connected with the receiver 14 using several different connection methods or devices. For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, an outside surface of the breech end of the barrel 12 may include threads and an inside surface of the receiver 14 may include matching threads that allow the barrel 12 to be screwed into the receiver 14. The depiction of the in-line muzzle-loading firearm 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the in-line muzzle-loading firearm 10 may include a breech 18 that is located at the rearward end of the barrel 12 and the forward end of the receiver 14. As known in the art, the breech 18 of a firearm is typically the portion of the firearm located at the rear end of the barrel 12 and is designed, in the case of muzzle-loading firearms, to receive the propellant (black powder or a black powder substitute such as Pyrodex) and a projectile or bullet. As set forth in greater detail below, the present invention eliminates the need for a shooter to pour propellant through the muzzle of the barrel 12 down into the breech 18 and also allows the shooter to use smokeless powder charges in the muzzle-loading firearm 10, which are cleaner burning, safer to handle, non-corrosive, more economical, and performs better than traditional black powder or Pyrodex.

The receiver 14 may include a receiver bore 20 having a forward end connected with the breech 18 and a rearward end connected with an end cap 22. The breech end of the barrel 12 may be internally threaded to receive a breech plug 24, which may include external threads that engage the internal threads of the barrel 12. As illustrated, an exterior surface of the breech end of barrel 12 may be threaded to engage an internal threaded opening of the receiver 14. Although not illustrated, in alternative embodiments, the forward end of the receiver 14 may be internally threaded to receive the breech plug 24 therein. For the purpose of the present invention, it is important to note that the breech plug 24 may be positioned in the forward end of the receiver 14 or the breech end of the barrel 12. If the breech plug 24 is positioned in the receiver 14, the breech end of the breech plug 24 may fit within a portion of the inside diameter of the barrel 12.

A bolt 26 may be slidably mounted within the receiver bore 20 rearwardly of the breech plug 24. The bolt 26 may include a firing pin 28 slidably positioned through a centrally disposed axial aperture 30 from the rearward to the forward end of the bolt 26. The muzzle-loading firearm 10 may include a hammer 32 that may include a head 34 that is slidably positioned within the receiver bore 20 rearwardly of the bolt 26, and a shank 36 projecting rearwardly through an aperture in the end cap 22. The shank 36 may serve as a cocking handle for the hammer 32.

Although an in-line muzzle-loading firearm 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in which cartridges are loaded through an aperture in the bolt mechanism, those skilled in the art should also recognize that the present invention may be adapted for use in in-line muzzle-loading firearms 10 that include break open receivers. In in-line muzzle-loading firearms 10 that include break open receivers, the receiver breaks open like a traditional shotgun so that cartridges may be loaded into the breech plug 24 or breech of the firearm. As set forth in greater detail below, the present invention may be readily adapted for use in break open receiver in-line muzzle-loading firearms 10.

Referring to FIG. 3, the breech plug 24 may include an exterior threaded portion 38 that engages the interior threads of a forward end of the receiver bore 20 or the breech end of the barrel 12 as the case may be. The rearward end of the breech plug 24 may include at least one notch 40 that is adapted to receive a tool for rotating the breech plug 24 and inserting or removing the breech plug 24 from the forward end of the receiver 14 or the barrel 12. The notches 40 may also be used to assist in the removal of the pre-measured powder cartridges disclosed below as well. The breech plug 24 is preferentially secured in either the receiver 14 or the barrel 12 such that gas pressure is not allowed to escape back into the receiver 14, which could damage the receiver 14.

A cartridge receiving chamber or bore 42 may be formed in the breech plug 24 to receive a pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 therein. The cartridge receiving bore 42 may run completely through the entire length of the breech plug 24 or may travel to a predetermined depth in the breech plug 24. The breech plug 24 may also include a first annular recess 46 that is sized to engage a cylindrical or annular rim 48 of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44. The recess 46 may be of a sufficient depth to encompass the entire width of the rim 48 or a portion of the rim 48 of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the breech plug 24 may also include a second annular recess 49 at the breech end of the breech plug 24 in which a sabot or projectile may be positioned through the muzzle of the barrel 12.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 is preferably manufactured from copper, a copper alloy, brass, or some other equivalent metal or metal alloy, and includes a forward end 50 and a rearward end 52. As set forth generally above, the forward end 50 of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 may include a rim 48 that is designed to engage and fit within an inside diameter of the recess 46 of the breech plug 24. The pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 also includes a cylindrical portion 54 that is connected with or formed in conjunction with the rim 48 and is designed to fit within the inside diameter of the cartridge receiving chamber 42 of the breech plug 24. The cylindrical portion 54 of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 has an outside diameter just big enough to allow the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 to be positioned inside the inside diameter of the cartridge receiving chamber 42 so that the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 may be inserted and removed from the breech plug 24. The breech plug 24, the receiver 14 (if applicable), the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 and the barrel 12 all ensure that the pressure generated when the in-line muzzle-loading firearm 10 is fired does not damage the in-line muzzle-loading firearm 10.

The cylindrical portion 54 of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 is preferentially hollow so that a pre-loaded powder charge 56 and a pre-sized wad 58 may be inserted or loaded into the cylindrical portion 54 of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44. The pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 may also include a primer 60 that may be located about a center axis on the outer surface of the forward end 50 of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44. The primer 60 is used to ignite the pre-loaded powder charge 56. The pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 is detonated by causing a striking blow to be delivered to the primer 60, which then ignites the pre-loaded powder charge 56. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the firing pin 28 is used to deliver the striking blow to the primer 60. As set forth in greater detail below, the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 in conjunction with the breech plug 24 and the barrel 12 and/or receiver 14, provide sufficient strength and reinforcement to withstand the pressures generated by igniting the smokeless powder charge 56.

Referring to FIG. 4, the pre-loaded powder charge 56 is preferentially comprised of smokeless powder that has been pre-measured to provide a constant and consistent muzzle velocity and amount of gas pressure every time the in-line muzzle-loading firearm 10 is fired. Although smokeless powder is used in the preferred embodiment as the propellant in the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44, in other embodiments of the present invention black powder, Pyrodex or a black powder substitute may also be used as the propellant in the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44. The amount of smokeless powder or other powder used to fill the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 may be adjusted to obtain optimum pressure levels depending on the type of in-line muzzle-loading firearm 10 being used by the shooter. However, more black powder or a black powder substitute will be required to produce the same muzzle velocities as smokeless powder.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a predetermined or precise amount of smokeless powder or another powder is poured into the hollow end of the smokeless pre-measured powder cartridge 44 until it fills the entire hollow portion of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44. Once this is accomplished, the pre-sized wad 58 may be press fit or friction fit within the inside diameter of the hollow portion of the smokeless powder cartridge 44 thereby compacting the powder down into the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44. Other amounts of powder may be placed in the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 depending upon the application. The pre-sized wad 58 may be a gasket or cork material that is preferably heat and moisture resistant and is used to ensure that the powder does not fall out of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44. In addition, the pre-sized wad 58 ensures that sparks and moisture cannot get to the powder in the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44, which helps ensure that the powder will not inadvertently ignite during loading and the in-line muzzle-loading firearm 10 will fire when a trigger that is connected with a firing mechanism is pulled by the shooter.

A known problem with prior art muzzle-loading practices is that inconsistent amounts of powder are poured into the muzzle of the muzzle-loading firearm 10 when loading the weapon and as a result, it is difficult to be accurate with the muzzle-loading firearm 10 because projectiles travel at varying muzzle velocities depending on the amount of powder poured into the muzzle end of the barrel 12. Using the present invention, the muzzle velocity of the projectile remains constant as a precise amount of powder is placed within the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 every time. The length and size of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 will vary from application to application depending on the characteristics of the in-line muzzle-loading firearm 10 it is designed for use in.

In operation, hammer 32 is cocked and released so as to strike the firing pin 28 thereby causing the firing pin 28 to strike the primer 60 of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44. This in turn ignites the charge within the primer 60 producing sparks that in turn ignite the pre-measured smokeless powder charge 56 located in the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44. As a result, the pre-sized wad 58 and a projectile or bullet 62 are forced out of the muzzle end of the barrel 12. The projectile 62 may be encompassed by a sabot 64. The sabot 64 may be a plastic cup or “shoe” that allows a smaller bullet to be loaded into a given caliber. The use of sabots 64 provide many advantages, such as, lighter bullets for increased velocity, longer bullets for the same weight for better sectional density and ballistic coefficient and the ability to use bullets made of materials other than soft pure lead.

As set forth above, one aspect of the present invention discloses a method of loading a muzzle-loading firearm 10. A projectile 62 is rammed into a muzzle end of the barrel 12 until it reaches a stopping point in the breech end of the barrel 12, which is preferentially located at the discharge end of the breech plug 24. A pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 may then be inserted within the cartridge receiving bore 42 of the breech plug 24 such that a forward end of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 is located adjacent a bottom portion of the projectile 62 and a rim 48 of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 engages the first annular recess 46 of the breech plug 24. The pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 includes a pre-measured powder charge 56 and a pre-sized wad 58. The pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 may then be secured within the breech plug 24 by a bolt action mechanism (e.g. a bolt action receiver) or by closing a break open receiver that was opened to load the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44.

Referring to FIG. 5, a portion of another embodiment of an in-line muzzle-loading firearm 10 is illustrated. Although this embodiment is illustrated as including a breech plug 24 that is threaded into the breech 18, those skilled in the art should recognize that the breech 18 of the in-line muzzle-loading firearm 10 may also be designed so that the breech plug 24 may not be removed. In other words, the elements of the breech plug 24 may be integrated as part of the breech 18 of the in-line muzzle-loading firearm 10. As such, the breech 18 may be manufactured to include all of the aspects of the breech plug 24 disclosed above, but may not be capable of being removed from the breech 18.

The breech plug 24 illustrated in FIG. 5 includes the cartridge receiving bore 42 and the annular recess 46. In addition, the breech plug 24 may include an annular lip 70 that may be located at the barrel end of the breech plug 24. The annular lip 70 may be included in the breech plug 24 so that shooters are not capable of loading fixed ammunition into the in-line muzzle-loading firearm 10. The annular lip 70 prevents the bullet of a fixed line ammunition cartridge from passing a predetermined point in the breech plug 24. As depicted, the projectile 62 and the sabot 64 may be positioned adjacent the annular lip 70. The discharge end of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 may be positioned adjacent or in close proximity with the bottom portion of the sabot 64 and/or projectile 62.

The annular lip 70 may include or define an aperture that is sized similar to or somewhat smaller than the inside diameter of the hollow portion of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44. As such, a small gap 72 may be present between the discharge end of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 and the bottom portion of the sabot 64 and/or projectile 62. Preferentially, the diameter of the aperture formed by the annular lip 70 is equal to the diameter of the discharging end of the smokeless pre-measured powder cartridge 44 such that all pressure generated upon ignition of the smokeless pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 is directed toward the projectile 62. The width of the cylindrical portion 54 of the pre-measured smokeless powder cartridge 44 may be the same as the width of an edge 74 formed by the annular lip 70 so that the width of the edge of the cylindrical portion 54 aligns with the edge 74 formed by the annular lip 70.

While the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. A method of loading an in-line muzzle-loading firearm, comprising the steps of:

placing a projectile into a muzzle end of a barrel;

ramming said projectile down said barrel until said projectile reaches a breech end of said barrel;

inserting a pre-measured powder cartridge within a cartridge receiving bore of a breech plug such that a discharge end of said pre-measured powder cartridge is located at least in close proximity to a bottom portion of said projectile, wherein said cartridge receiving bore extends along a central longitudinal axis through at least a portion of said breech plug, wherein a rim of said pre-measured powder cartridge rests within an annular recess located on a front end of said breech plug, wherein said pre-measured powder cartridge includes a primer, a pre-measured powder charge and a pre-sized wad; and

securing said pre-measured powder cartridge within said breech plug such that said in-line muzzle-loading firearm is ready to discharge said projectile once a firing mechanism is actuated.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said breech plug includes an annular lip located on a rearward end of said breech plug that extends within said cartridge receiving bore a predetermined distance to define a discharge aperture.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said pre-measured powder charge and said pre-sized wad are positioned within a cylindrical portion of said pre-measured powder cartridge, wherein said discharge end of said pre-measured powder cartridge is aligned with said discharge aperture defined by said annular lip such that said cylindrical portion of said pre-measured powder cartridge is adjacent said annular lip.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said projectile is encompassed by a sabot.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said breech plug includes an annular recess on a rearward end of said breech plug, wherein a bottom portion of said projectile fits within said annular recess of said breech plug.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said pre-measured powder charge is comprises smokeless powder.

7. An in-line muzzle-loading firearm, comprising:

a barrel having a muzzle end, a breech end, a front opening at said muzzle end, a back opening at said breech end and a bore extending along a central longitudinal axis from said front opening to said back opening, wherein said bore includes internal threads adjacent said back opening;

a breech plug having a forward end with external threads for screwing into the internal threads of said barrel, wherein said breech plug includes a cartridge receiving bore extending along a central longitudinal axis through at least a portion of said breech plug and an annular recess formed at a rearward end of said breech plug;

a pre-measured powder cartridge for insertion into said breech plug, wherein said pre-measured powder cartridge includes an annular rim and a cylindrical portion extending a predetermined distance along a central longitudinal axis from said annular rim, wherein said annular rim includes a primer and said cylindrical portion encompasses a pre-measured powder charge and a pre-sized wad, wherein said annular rim fits within said annular recess of said breech plug and said cylindrical portion fits within said cartridge receiving bore of said breech plug;

a projectile for insertion into said muzzle end of said barrel, wherein said projectile is rammed down said barrel to said breech end of said barrel such that said projectile is adjacent a front end of said breech plug;

a locking mechanism for securing said pre-measured powder cartridge within said cartridge receiving bore; and

a firing mechanism for striking said primer of said pre-measured powder cartridge.

8. The in-line muzzle-loading firearm of claim 7, wherein said cartridge receiving bore extends through said breech plug a length equal to the length of said cylindrical portion of said pre-measured powder cartridge.

9. The in-line muzzle-loading firearm of claim 7, wherein said breech plug includes a lip extending inward at the rearward end of said cartridge receiving bore a predetermined distance to define a discharge aperture in said breech plug, wherein a discharge end of said pre-measured powder cartridge is aligned with said discharge aperture defined by said lip when said pre-measured powder cartridge is inserted in said breech plug.

10. The in-line muzzle-loading firearm of claim 7, wherein said pre-measured powder charge comprises smokeless powder.

11. The in-line muzzle-loading firearm of claim 7, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a bolt action receiver that is capable of being positioned between an open position and a closed position.

12. The in-line muzzle-loading firearm of claim 7, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a break open receiver that is capable of being positioned between an open position and a closed position.

13. A method of loading an in-line muzzle-loading firearm, comprising the steps of:

placing a projectile into a muzzle end of a barrel;

ramming said projectile down said barrel until said projectile reaches a breech end of said barrel;

inserting a pre-measured powder cartridge within a cartridge receiving bore of a breech such that a discharge end of said pre-measured powder cartridge is located adjacent a bottom portion of said projectile, wherein a rim of said pre-measured powder cartridge rests within an annular recess of said breech, wherein said pre-measured powder cartridge includes a primer, a pre-measured powder charge and a pre-sized wad; and

securing said pre-measured powder cartridge within said breech plug such that said in-line muzzle-loading firearm is ready to discharge said projectile once a firing mechanism is actuated.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said pre-measured powder charge comprises smokeless powder.

15. An in-line muzzle-loading firearm, comprising:

a barrel having a breech end and a muzzle end;

a breech aligned with said breech end of said barrel including a means for receiving a pre-measured powder cartridge having a primer, a pre-measured powder charge and a pre-sized wad;

means for securing said pre-measured powder cartridge in said breech; and

means for actuating said pre-measured powder cartridge by igniting said primer.

16. The in-line muzzle-loading firearm of claim 15, wherein said pre-measured powder charge comprises smokeless powder.

17. The in-line muzzle-loading firearm of claim 15, wherein said means for securing comprises a bolt action receiver that is capable of being positioned between an open position and a closed position.

18. The in-line muzzle-loading firearm of claim 15, wherein said means for securing comprises a break open receiver that is capable of being positioned between an open position and a closed position.

19. The in-line muzzle-loading firearm of claim 15, wherein said means for actuating comprises a firing mechanism.