Muzzle-loading refers to a type of firearm that is loaded from the front, or muzzle, of the barrel. This method involves placing gunpowder and a projectile, such as a bullet or ball, into the barrel before firing. Muzzle-loaders were commonly used from the 16th century until the mid-19th century, before being largely replaced by breech-loading firearms. Muzzle-loading firearms can be either smoothbore or rifled. Smoothbore guns have a smooth interior barrel, while rifled guns have grooves that spin the projectile for improved accuracy. Today, muzzle-loading is popular among enthusiasts and hunters, and it is often associated with historical reenactments and competitions.