Topic: The Best Muzzleloaders of 2022 (Read 38 times)
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Why It Made the Cut
Long-range shooting continues to gain popularity, including with muzzleloader enthusiasts. CVA embraced the long-range shooting surge with the .45 caliber Paramount HTR. This bolt-action gun can handle extreme propellant charges, producing incredible velocities.
Key Features
Pros
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Product Description
The CVA Paramount HTR is the latest addition to the Paramount Series and is offered in .40 and .45 calibers. This series is best described by its precision and long-range capabilities. The HTR .45 caliber shoots a 285-grain bullet at 2560 fps, co*parable to several .30 caliber centerfire cartridges. The first time I shot a Paramount was at the range. Instead of measuring bullet groups, I noted the range and accuracy. As an alternative to shooting three bullets at 100 yards and measuring the group size, I shot and hit steel targets at 200 and 300 yards.
The best powder to shoot from a Paramount HTR is Blackhorn 209, and 140 to 150 grains by volume is the sweet spot for accuracy. The ignition uses a large rifle primer, and the Paramount HTR can provide muzzle velocities over 2700 fps when you use the maximum reco*mended propellant charges.
CVA reco*mends PowerBelt ELR 225-grain .40 caliber or 285-grain .45 caliber bullets, specially designed for the Paramount rifles.
This rifle sports a nitride-treated, stainless steel Bergara barrel known for accuracy. And the lightweight stock has an adjustable co*b for perfect eye-to-optic alignment. The internal aluminum chassis provides a solid foundation for the action and free-floating barrel.
Why It Made the Cut
CVA’s best-selling rifle is the Optima .50 caliber, first introduced in 2003. Hunters and shooters have embraced the Optima since its inception, and the newer V2 versions developed as new technologies were available. The Optima V2 remains popular among muzzleloader hunters today, with several models sold as economical rifles with quality co*ponents.
Key Features
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Product Description
CVA introduced the Optima V2 in 2013 after the popularity of CVA’s Accura V2. Both rifles feature the same trigger-guard actuated breeching lever, internal parts, a balanced trigger, and a Quick Release breech plug. This value-driven rifle shot groups at the range of .70 to 2.50 inches. The group sizes varied from shooter to shooter, but with sound fundamentals it will shoot around 1-inch groups.
CVA has mastered the breech plug by creating one that is easy to remove and clean without using a tool. Even after prolonged shooting, the breech threads out easily, never seizing due to specially designed O-rings that prevent blowback into the threads or primer chamber. The design of the breech ensures consistent ignition, keeping your primer and powder safe from moisture. Safety features built into the breech mean that if it is not entirely threaded into the barrel, the shooter cannot close the break-action of the rifle. The ease with which the breech can be removed and put back in makes it simple to clean and maintain.
Why It Made the Cut
The original CVA Accura and V2 models are co*plemented with a lightweight design of the MR. This is the perfect front stuffer to take into the backcountry at 6.35 pounds with a short, co*pact barrel for quick target acquisition.
Key Features
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Product Description
The Accura MR is a break-open muzzleloader that operates with the hinge release lever built into the trigger guard. It features a 25-inch Bergara barrel with a 1:28 twist rifling. Nitride treatment inside and out ensures the entire length is weather and corrosion-resistant, which makes it one of the best muzzleloaders to carry in variable backcountry conditions. The list of features on this firearm is impressive, from the Bergara barrel, Quick Release Breech Plug, Trigger Guard Actuated Breeching Action, Palm Saver ramrod, and Neutral Centre of Gravity Trigger. The MR co*es with a matching Quake Claw Sling, SoftTouch stock with rubber grip panels, and DuraSight DEAD-ON one-piece scope mount.
I dreamed of hunting Dall sheep when I was a young boy. With a new CVA ACCURA V2, I headed for the Mackenzie Mountains in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Weeks on the range had me shooting sub-MOA groups at 200 yards. The rifle was accurate, consistent, and easy to use and maintain. After days of packing, I shot my dream ram at 213 yards with a single, well-placed shot.
Why It Made the Cut
Traditions has two long-standing models that remain popular amongst consumers—Pursuit and Buckstalker—both known for value and performance. The Pursuit XT is the newest rendition with upgrades that make this muzzleloader the best bang for your buck.
Key Features
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Product Description
The Pursuit XT has an Elite XT trigger system, rebounding hammer, and manual cross-block trigger safety. With a cocking hammer and trigger safety, it is one of the safest options on the market. It has standard features like a 26-inch Chromoly steel barrel, Dual Safety System, and Accelerator Breech Plug Speed Load System. This rifle is accurate to 200 yards and beyond with blackpowder substitutes like Pyrodex. The Pursuit XT shot 100-yard groups sub MOA to 1.75 inches.
I have shot deer and black bears with the Pursuit XT and was impressed with the performance and reliability of the rifle and co*ponents.
Why It Made the Cut
Vortek StrikerFire was the first hammerless muzzleloader to hit the market and offers fast, silent lockdown. The smaller diameter bullet has an even faster barrel twist at 1:20 inches for better bullet stability and long-range accuracy. Traditions recently introduced a new model of its StrikerFire in .45 caliber with a VAPR barrel.
Key Features
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Product Description
The silent cocking button on the Traditions Vortek StrikerFire slides forward until it locks, putting the gun in fire mode. A red dot is uncovered when the slide is locked and lets the shooter know the gun is ready to fire. The firearm is uncocked by pushing the spring release button behind the slide to let the mechanism glide back to the safe position. No external hammer offers faster lock time and a more silent operation.
Traditions’ newest offering, the .45 caliber, offers long-range shooters ballistic and barrel technical advantages. The StrikerFire is still a traditional inline muzzleloader that uses standard black powder equivalent charges and a sabot and bullet. It offers advantages without having to use extreme powder charges. This series features a Chromoly steel barrel, premium CeraKote finish, TAC-2 Trigger System, Hogue co*fort Grip Overmolding, Dual Safety System, and Accelerator Breech Plug, which removes by hand and allows for the use of loose or pelletized powder. Speed Load System, sealed breech, lightweight co*posite stock, and tight barrel tolerance make this model an excellent choice for any weather conditions.
Why It Made the Cut
With many muzzleloader manufacturers going to smaller bullets, Knight still offers a .52 caliber workhorse.
Key Features
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Product Description
The Knight Disc Extreme features a machined bolt, Easton Carbon Core ramrod, and a selection of laminate wood stocks. This rifle consistently shot sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. I was fortunate to hunt with Tony Knight, who led the revolution in modern muzzleloader technology. Tony brought several Knight muzzleloaders, and I was given a quick rundown of features, loading tips, and techniques. I hunted with the Disc Extreme and took an excellent pronghorn antelope at 170 yards.
The number of muzzleloader brands has waned over the past decade, but you can still find new, old stock muzzleloaders, which probably would have earned a spot on this list, had the manufacturers not ceased production.
LHR Sporting Arms Redemption Rifle
LHR Sporting Arms LLC introduced its first rifle, Redemption, in 2013. The Redemption .50-caliber is a break-action muzzleloader with a unique breech system. A retaining collar fastens the Adapt breech system, protecting it from the elements and ensuring consistent ignition for every shot. The collar is quickly and easily removed by hand for cleaning or changing co*ponents.
A nitride coating inside and outside of the barrel offers co*plete corrosion prevention, while a 24-inch Cloverleaf Precision Barrel, made by Green Mountain Rifle Barrel Co., is accurate and durable.
There is no external hammer, and the rifle is cocked with a Stealth Striker system that slides forward till it locks in the ready-to-shoot position. Depressing the decocking button will put the rifle back in safety mode. The Redemption weighs seven pounds and has a 13.5-inch length of pull. The FT2 Match Trigger breaks clean and light. A wrench, palm saver, and range rod handle are all built into one convenient carry tool. The Redemption was offered in camouflage, walnut, and co*posite finishes.
Thompson Center Triumph Bone Collector
The T/C Bone Collector was produced on a Triumph muzzleloader and the extra features made it a “special edition.” The stock managed recoil with a LimbSaver pad and Flex Tech Energy Burners. The Bone Collector has a 1-inch shorter length of pull than the standard Triumph, making it easy to shoulder and find the target.
It’s Speed Breech XT is straightforward to remove with two fingers, even after hours on the range. Accessories like the Power Rod with a flip-out T-handle made loading faster and easier. A Weather Shield treatment on the barrel, receiver, and trigger mechanism make cleaning and maintenance a breeze.
Traditions Performance Firearms “Build-It-Yourself Rifle Kits”
Traditions Performance Firearms has “Build-It-Yourself Rifle Kits,” with everything you need to create a custom muzzleloader with a historical appearance. There are six options: percussion models in Kentucky, Deerhunter, Crockett, Hawken Woodsman, and Frontier. The Frontier is the only one that co*es with either flint or percussion ignition. All models are “old-style” guns with hardwood stocks, steel barrels, and brass co*ponents. Customize your rifle by bluing the barrel and finishing the stock as desired. co*plete instructions guide you through the build and allow you to understand the principles of loading and ignition before shooting your muzzleloader. You can put together these kits in a day to full weekend depending on your skill level and how much finishing work you want to do.
Ease of Cleaning
Not all muzzleloaders are the same when it co*es to cleaning. Some require co*plete disassembly for cleaning and maintenance. The fewer co*ponents, the easier it is to clean a rifle. New models like the Traditions NitroFire are easier to clean than ever and use new powders, like Hodgon Triple 7, that produce less fouling.
Shooting co*ponents
Muzzleloaders that use a .50 caliber projectile have many options for bullets and sabot. Other calibers have limited options. Ones that use blackpowder or a substitute have many options for developing a load. Muzzleloaders with a specific powder requirement can create challenges for finding the exact products.
Cost
Most muzzleloaders range in price from $300 to $2,000 or more. Buy what suits your needs—and budget—and extend your opportunities in the field, whether long-range shooting or hunting deer from a treestand.
Muzzleloader hunting is steeped in history and tradition. Getting close for a one-shot kill has always been the challenge. The best muzzleloaders keep stretching the distance, so ask yourself: “do I want to challenge my skills to get close,” and “will my new rifle choice limit its use and seasons?” Technology pushes the envelope for hunters, and it can be challenging to keep up with the capabilities of a modern muzzleloader.
All the muzzleloaders were shot at the range of sight-in optics and tested for consistency and accuracy. The modern muzzleloaders proved there isn’t a bad apple in the bunch. All of the best muzzleloaders can shoot sub-MOA with consistent loading and cleaning; the most significant variant is the shooter’s capability.
The real test for most muzzleloaders was in the field hunting. All the rifles put meat in the pot; the only one not used on a hunt was the CVA Paramount HTR.
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