The world of muzzleloading is a place where the archaic meets the contemporary. Modern muzzleloaders use the latest innovation from their self-contained, cartridge-firing brethren, within the constraints imposed by having to load the primer, propellant and projectile separately. Traditions Performance Firearms has led the way, partnering with Federal in 2021 to release the NitroFire muzzleloader capable of using FireStick technology, a system that allows a pre-measured charge to be inserted into the breech of the rifle. New for 2025, Traditions is adding to its lineup of FireStick-compatible firearms with the NitroBolt.
The FireStick system maintains the muzzleloading standard of separately loaded primer, propellant and projectile, in a more convenient to use format. Image courtesy of Federal Ammunition.
With the FireStick system, a pre-measured powder load is factory loaded into a polymer “capsule.” The shooter inserts a shotgun primer into the rear of the FireStick unit. The projectile is rammed down the barrel until it stops on a shelf above the breech. The FireStick capsule is inserted into the breech and the rifle is ready to fire. Advantages of the Firestick system include consistent loads and the ability to quickly and safely unload the firearm.
The NitroBolt put many of the elements of a modern, cartridge-firing hunting rifle into a muzzleloader.
Sharing many features with modern, cartridge-firing hunting rifles, the NitroBolt has a turn-bolt action that has a 60-degree throw that uses three locking lugs and a cocking indicator. The bolt knob is removable and has 5/16x24 TPI threads to allow it to be replaced with aftermarket options. A three-position safety, which allows the bolt to be worked while the safety is engaged, is placed above the trigger. The synthetic stock pillar beds the action and allows the barrel to free float, and has an adjustable cheek piece, an adjustable length-of-pull and studs for quick-detachable sling swivels. No sights are supplied, but the rifle’s receiver is drilled and tapped, and it is supplied with bases.
The NitroBolt is .50 caliber and has a 24" barrel with 1:24" twist VAPR rifling. Its muzzle is threaded and the barrel is fluted. The bolt uses a patented extractor system to remove the FireStick capsule and dissembles easily for cleaning.
Advantages of the FireStick system include the ability to easily and safely unload the muzzleloader.
It is currently legal to hunt with a muzzleloader using Firestick technology, like the NitroBolt, in 28 states, with regulation changes pending in 10 more. Although a muzzleloader, the NitroBolt is treated like a modern firearm and must be transferred with a Form 4473.
The Traditions Performance Firearms NitroBolt has an MSRP of $995. It is scheduled to be available by summer 2025. For more information, see the company’s website.
