Muzzleloading firearms are a type of gun that is loaded from the front, or muzzle, rather than from the rear. This means that the shooter must pour gunpowder and place a projectile, such as a bullet or ball, into the barrel before firing. Muzzleloaders were commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries and are still popular today for hunting and sport shooting. These firearms can be powered by either black powder or modern substitutes. Muzzleloading rifles and pistols often feature traditional designs and can be made from wood and metal. Many enthusiasts enjoy the historical aspect of muzzleloading and participate in events like black powder shooting competitions.