First Look: Traditions Firearms NitroFire Muzzleloader

by
posted on January 20, 2020
traditions-nitrofire-muzzleloader-main.jpg
The advent of black powder changed the world forever, and in the ebb and flow of firearm technology through the years, one unchanging constant is the muzzleloader—handguns, rifles and shotguns of the type continue to see use today. Additionally, for hunters, these traditional muzzleloading arms provides extended seasons and opportunity centerfire-rifle shooters won’t have.

Aficionados already know, but for the new modern shooter, the thought of delving into muzzleloading arms can be overwhelming—the gear, the know-how and techniques used can be complicated to learn. To address this reality, a joint effort between Traditions Firearms, Federal Premium and Hodgdon Powder Company has birthed one of the most efficient and simple-to-use muzzleloading systems the industry has seen.



New for 2020, the aforementioned companies are set to offer a .50-cal. muzzleloader featuring a fluted and ultralight 26” chrome-moly steel barrel with 1:28” twist rifling—the Traditions NitroFire. Equipped with the company’s new Elite XT trigger system designed for precision shooting with redundant safety features built-in—a rebounding hammer, captive half-cock along with the addition of an intuitive and manual crossbolt safety.

Separating the new Traditions NitroFire from others of the like, is the all-new Firestick priming system loaded with Hodgdon’s new Triple 8 clean-burning powder. Two pre-loaded FireStick charge levels are available: 100-grains or 120-grains . Users can expect projectile velocities equal to or better than what they are getting with equivalent loads from other types of in-line muzzleloaders. Learn more about Hodgdon’s new Triple 8 muzzleloader powder by visiting hodgdon.com.

     

Using the FireStick system allows for a loading and shooting process that is dramatically easier, safer and more consistent.

How the system works:

1. Load your sabot projectile. Push it down the barrel and seat it on the shelf within the barrel. You’ll feel the bullet stop with resistance. This provides a consistent starting point every time.
 
2. Break open the action on the NitroFire with the release button located near the trigger guard and insert the Federal Premium FireStick into the breech area.
 
3. Place a 209 primer into the primer pocket of the Federal Premium FireStick. Close the NitroFire, and your muzzleloader is fully loaded.



The Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) currently categorizes Traditions NitroFire muzzleloader rifle as one that does require an ATF Form 4473 to be completed and approved for purchase.

NitroFire MSRP range is $499 to $699, depending on model variation. For more on the Traditions NitroFire .50-cal. muzzleloader, please visit traditionsfirearms.com.

Latest

Staccato HD 01
Staccato HD 01

New For 2025: Staccato HD

Staccato has elevated the 2011 handgun concept by incorporating some redesigns for 2025, notably making its M1911-style design compatible with Glock double-stack magazines.

New For 2025: Browning X-Bolt 2 All Purpose

At SHOT Show 2025, Browning unveiled its new All Purpose rifle in the X-Bolt 2 lineup with added versatility for both hunters and target-shooters.

New For 2025: LWRCI IC-MKII

LWRCI updated its Individual Carbine (IC) for 2025, marking the next step for its high-performance semi-automatic rifles.

Preview: VPA Light-Mounted Compensator

The Light-Mounted Compensator from Vantage Point Armory is a clever idea because the machined-aluminum muzzle device attaches directly to the Streamlight or SureFire weapon light of the shooter’s choosing using the light’s existing hardware.

6 New Shotguns For 2025

Dotted throughout the myriad halls of SHOT Show 2025 was an impressive number of scatterguns. Here’s a sampling of what’s coming down the pike.

The Banish 9K: Silencer Central's Smallest & Lightest Suppressor

The all-new Banish 9K from Silencer Central is the company's smallest and lightest suppressor to date, and its innovative design includes some great design elements that make suppressed shooting even better.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.