Compressed powder charge for muzzleloader and black powder firearms

An improved premeasured compressed charge for use with a black powder firearm having a desired caliber of an intended firearm, the premeasured compressed charge having a leading end portion and a trailing end portion, the leading end portion having a smaller diagonal dimension than both the trailing end portion and the desired caliber of the intended firearm, while the trailing end portion having a larger diagonal dimension than the desired caliber of the firearm such that the leading end portion of the premeasured compressed charge is readily received within the desired caliber of the firearm while the trailing end portion must be forced into the desired caliber of the firearm;

• wherein the leading end portion of the premeasured compressed charge is located closely adjacent an outlet of the flash channel of the firearm, following loading of the premeasured compressed charge within the firearm, and the leading end portion facilitates flame propagation of the flame along sidewalls of the premeasured compressed charge, generated upon detonation of an ignition device, to facilitate the more complete combustion of the premeasured compressed charge and less rocketing of the premeasured compressed charge following discharge of the projectile from a muzzle end of the firearm;
• at least three of the sidewalls of the premeasured compressed charge taper outwardly from the leading end portion toward the trailing end portion of the premeasured compressed charge;
• and
• an end wall of the leading end portion and an end wall of the trailing end portion are both generally square in shape.