H&B’s Muzzleloader Buyer’s Guide

Wanna Go Black Powder This Year? Let Our Muzzleloader Buyer's Guide Help You Out

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Black powder hunting holds a special place in my heart. While not everyone uses historic arms, myself included, it’s cool to hunt deer with a gun that you still have to put powder and lead down the muzzle before heading afield rather than inserting a modern cartridge.

In my home state of Oklahoma, the “primitive” season also gives hunters with front-stuffers the ability to head for the woods or fields a full three weeks before modern rifle season’s “orange army” scrambles for their deer stands. Plus, what’s not to like about an extra nine days chasing America’s favorite big-game animal?

I recently began searching for a new muzzleloader for the upcoming season. That exercise gave me a good opportunity to check out what guns Hook & Barrel readers might want to consider adding to their black powder arsenals before the fall seasons roll around.

Here are a few things to think about for those searching for a new muzzleloader:

1. What and where will you be hunting?

If you’re just hunting whitetail deer in the deep woods, a smaller caliber like .45 will serve you fine, as will a shorter-barreled rifle that is only accurate out to about 100 yards. If you’ll be hunting elk or other larger game, definitely go with a .50-caliber. And if you’re expecting longer shots, choose a rifle designed for shooting at longer distances.

2. Do you need a “magnum” muzzleloader?

So-called “magnum” muzzleloaders are made to use 150 grains of propellant, as opposed to the normal 90- to 100-grain charges in more typical black-powder rifles. If you’re expecting shots beyond about 175 yards, going with a “magnum” rifle is to your benefit. If not, don’t let the “magnum” label sway you one way or the other.

3. How much do you want to spend?

While many shirk at this question, in today’s economy we are all on some kind of budget—even when buying hunting equipment. You can probably find a good, hunting-ready muzzleloader for under $300 if you look around a little. For a few hundred more you can find a top-quality smoke pole. And if the sky is the limit for your black-powder budget, all the bells and whistles can be had for a little over a grand. 

Now, let’s look at four top muzzleloader candidates to consider:

Traditions NitroFire VAPR

Traditions’ new NitroFire VAPR takes modern muzzleloading to the limit of advanced technology. After changing the muzzleloading industry in 2020 with the introduction of the NitroFire in collaboration with Federal Premium and Hodgdon, Traditions’ next innovation is the NitroFire with the VAPR Twist barrel. 

The new barrel’s faster twist helps to better stabilize bullets, increase accuracy, and expands the bullet options that can be used effectively. The VAPR uses the polymer charge filled with clean-burning Hodgdon Triple Eight powder that is loaded from the breech, while the bullet still loads from the muzzle. According to the company, this system makes the powder charge impervious to moisture and the elements, allowing muzzleloader hunters the same tight tolerances and quality controls as cartridge ammunition. 

The VAPR is available in .50 caliber with a 26-inch chrome-moly steel fluted and tapered barrel. The model’s extra crisp Elite XT trigger system is designed for accuracy in the field or woods.

CVA Optima V2  

CVA has a reputation for quality-made muzzleloaders for those who don’t want to spend a ton on their next smoke pole. And the Optima V2 certainly fits that category. 

Modeled after the company’s popular ACCURA V2, this model features the same trigger guard-actuated breeching lever, internal parts, and trigger. The barrel is constructed of stainless steel and offered in either the standard stainless or treated with CVA’s Nitride rust-proofing process. Cleaning is made easy by CVA’s finger-removable Quick-Release Breech Plug, and the ambidextrous stock and a CrushZone recoil pad make it suitable for just about any hunter. 

The Optima V2 is available in two different barrel lengths—26 or 28 inches—to meet hunters’ specific needs. This new model also comes standard with a DuraSight DEAD-ON one-piece scope mount or DuraSight fiber-optic sights, along with CVA’s solid aluminum PalmSaver ramrod.

Remington 700 UML 

Remington rifles have been a favorite of deer hunters for many decades, and the company also makes some fine muzzle-loading rifles. Their newest model, the 700 UML (Ultimate Muzzleloader), is a gun nearly any hunter would love to have in the blind or tree stand with them. 

With an appearance much like a cartridge rifle, the 700 UML has a 300-yard kill range with the right projectiles, according to the maker. Pre-primed cases load with the ease of centerfire cartridges, and super-hot magnum primers ignite up to 200-grain loads with near smokeless efficiency. 

Chambered for .50-caliber projectiles, the UML features a 26-inch stainless steel fluted barrel, jeweled bolt, and an H-S Precision stock. It also has a full-length aluminum bedding block, sling studs, and a black recoil pad. The unique ignition system uses primed centerfire brass with 9½ M Large Rifle Magnum Primers for guaranteed ignition every time.

Traditions Buckstalker XT 

For those on a more limited budget, Traditions’ Buckstalker XT is a muzzleloader to consider. While at a reasonable price point, the Buckstalker XT is still equipped with the company’s Elite XT Trigger system, which features a precise, accurate trigger along with a rebounding hammer and manual cross-block trigger safety. 

Featuring 209 shotgun primer ignition, it has a 24-inch chrome-moly steel barrel and the Accelerator breech plug, which works great with either loose or pelletized powder. Plus, its corrosion-resistant finish boasts lasting durability in the most extreme hunting environments.  

Lightweight and maneuverable, the company says the Buckstalker XT is accurate out to 200 yards and beyond. The Buckstalker XT’s solid aluminum ramrod utilizes a Quick-T ramrod handle, which functions like a palm saver and t-handle all in one.

If You Really Want To Kick It Old School...

Look the part of a black powder hunter from the days of yore with the October Country Full-Grain Leather Possibles Bag. The large interior pouch keeps small items together, while the built-in accessory loop keeps larger gear close at hand. The carry strap is adjustable for secure and comfortable carry.

Wrapping It Up 

For those in the market for a new muzzleloader ahead of the upcoming seasons, any of these models would make a good choice. Whichever you choose, just be sure and don’t miss the additional “primitive” hunting opportunities offered in many states.