When should you cock the hammer of a muzzleloader?

Cocking the hammer of a muzzleloader right before firing is the safest and most responsible practice. This approach minimizes the risk of accidental discharge, allowing the shooter to maintain maximum control over the firearm until the moment they are ready to take a shot. By waiting until you are in the process of taking aim and about to fire, you ensure that the firearm remains in a safe condition until you have positively identified your target and are prepared to shoot.

Loading the barrel or cocking the hammer at earlier stages without the intention to fire increases the potential for mishaps, such as unintentional discharges or unsafe handling of the firearm. Additionally, aiming at a target while preparing to cock the hammer can lead to dangerous situations if you are not fully focused on safely handling the weapon at that critical moment. Therefore, the correct practice is to cock the hammer just prior to firing, as it maximizes both safety and control.