Washington Muzzleloader Regulations (excerpts)
1. Definitions.
a. Muzzleloader: A firearm which is loaded from the muzzle and uses black powder or a black powder substitute as recommended by the manufacturer for use in all muzzleloading firearms.
b. A muzzleloading firearm shall be considered loaded if a powder charge and a projectile, either shot or single projectile are in the barrel and the barrel or breech is capped or primed.

2. It is unlawful to hunt wildlife using a muzzleloading firearm which does not meet the following specifications.

b. A muzzleloading shotgun or rifle used for deer must be .40 caliber or larger. Buckshot size #1 or larger may be used in a smoothbore of .60 caliber or larger for deer.
c. A muzzleloading shotgun, rifle, or handgun used for all other big game must be .45 caliber or larger.

f. A muzzleloading handgun used for big game must be .45 caliber or larger.


As in the past sabots are allowed.
New this year any type of projectile is allowed.

a. Ignition is to be wheel lock, matchlock, flintlock, or percussion using original style percussion caps that fit on the nipple and are exposed to the weather. "Exposed to
the weather" means the percussion cap or the frizzen must be visible and not capable of being enclosed by an integral part of the weapon proper. Primers designed to be
used in modern cartridges are not legal.
b. Sights must be open, peep or of other open sight design. Fiber optic sights are legal. Telescopic sights or sights containing glass are prohibited.