What must be loaded for a muzzle loader?

In the context of muzzle-loading firearms, the correct answer revolves around the requirement for using pre-measured amounts of powder. Muzzle loaders require a specific amount of black powder or a substitute to ensure proper ignition and performance. This pre-measured powder is essential for safe and effective shooting because it helps to control the amount of pressure generated when the powder ignites. By using a designated amount, shooters can better predict their shot, enhance accuracy, and reduce the risk of accidents that can occur from using too much or too little powder.

Muzzle loaders don't utilize shotgun shells, as they operate on a different mechanism, relying on loose powder and projectiles instead. The term "dump powder" is misleading, as careless handling of powder can be dangerous, and does not reflect the systematic and careful approach needed for loading a muzzle loader. Choked cartridges, common in modern shotguns, have no relevance to muzzle loading and further reinforce the idea that the shooting methods and ammunition of modern guns differ significantly from those used in muzzle-loading firearms.