Jim I guess the fellow that I learned muzzleloading from wasn't too safe in your opinion, in mine he was. Actually he was a Range officer at a public range with a clear safety record.
I also learned from him that I can load and shoot my muzzleloader with reliability without popping caps.
Jim are you sure blowing through your gun is not allowed in NMLRA matches...I thought the rules stated no sucking on your muzzle.

I do agree it takes common sense to know when it's safe or not safe to blow through your muzzle loader barrel.