We have learned a bit more about safety in loading these firearms since that article was written. First, the suggested practice of blowing down the barrel is strictly forbidden on any range that adheres to the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association safety standards and will get you disqualified at a NMLRA shoot. If you have some deep seated primitive need to blow down gun muzzles get a piece of tubing from the hardware store so you can do this without putting your head over the muzzles. Second, in the instances where you are reloading one barrel while the second is still loaded, it is really essential you decap that loaded barrel and that the hammers be in the half cock position (safety position primitive at best). To prevent double loading, put the ramrod in the muzzle of the already loaded barrel when not actually in use. Mark your ramrod to show proper depth for the load being used - this is to make sure you have load fully seated without separation between powder and shot. Separations will result in the shot becoming a bore obstruction resulting in blown barrels/missing fingers etc. With flintlock doubles the frizzen must be open and the hammer fully down during reloading. Prime only when ready to shoot. Oh, and don't load from the flask to the muzzle. Measure from the flask to a small container (I use a speedloader) so that if you have a charge ignite from hot embers or other cause only a small amount of powder is exposed.
There have been several recent instances of charges igniting upon being dumped into barrels and upon ramming, probably from hot embers remaining in the bore or the priming chain. NMLRA specifies a damp patch is to be wiped through the bore before reloading to help prevent this.
The wads can climb back up the bore due to trapped air compressed under them, creating separation of powder and shot, a problem already discussed. If you bend you wads with your thumb before ramming it down bore, the air will escape easily and the wad will still flatten at the bottom to properly perform it's function. You just have to try flintlock skeet or doves if you want the ultimate shotgun experience!!
