Black Powder Rifles

Inline vs. Traditional Muzzleloaders: Which Is Right for You?

Inline muzzleloaders position the ignition source directly behind the powder charge in line with the barrel — the design used by Traditions, Thompson Center, and most modern manufacturers. This inline ignition delivers faster, more reliable ignition than traditional side-hammer designs, especially in cold or wet weather. Traditional flintlock and percussion cap muzzleloaders use side-hammer designs that are more historically authentic and required in some states’ “primitive weapons” seasons that restrict inline use. For most hunters who want maximum reliability and performance, inline is the right choice. For hunters in primitive weapons seasons or those who value historical authenticity, traditional side-hammer designs are the appropriate option.

Traditions Muzzleloaders: The Most Popular Inline Rifles

Traditions Firearms is the dominant brand in modern inline muzzleloaders, producing the Pursuit XT, Nitro-Fire, and Vortek series. The Traditions Nitro-Fire is particularly noteworthy — it uses Federal Premium’s FireStick propellant system, a pre-measured powder charge in a self-contained module that eliminates loose powder handling and dramatically simplifies reloading. The Pursuit XT is the workhorse of the Traditions lineup: 50-caliber, 26″ barrel, synthetic stock, and consistent sub-2″ groups at 100 yards with premium saboted bullets. For hunters entering muzzleloader seasons, Traditions represents the best value in the category.

Thompson Center Muzzleloaders: The Benchmark for Accuracy

Thompson Center has built a reputation as the most accurate muzzleloader manufacturer, with their Encore 209x50 and Impact series setting the standard for inline performance. TC muzzleloaders are compatible with Blackhorn 209 — a modern propellant that burns cleaner than traditional black powder substitutes and produces consistent velocities shot-to-shot. The TC Encore platform also accepts centerfire rifle barrels, making it a versatile single investment that serves multiple hunting applications. For hunters who want the best accuracy from a muzzleloader, Thompson Center is the reference standard.

Muzzleloader Calibers: .50 Caliber is the Standard

The vast majority of modern inline muzzleloaders are chambered in .50 caliber — the standard accepted in virtually every state’s muzzleloader season regulations. .50 caliber uses saboted bullets (typically .44 or .45 caliber projectiles in a plastic sabot) or pure lead conicals at velocities of 1,800–2,200 fps depending on propellant charge. This produces deer-class energy to 200+ yards from a quality inline. A few rifles are chambered in .45 caliber for flatter shooting, but the wider availability of .50 caliber components makes it the practical choice for most hunters.

Muzzleloader Propellants: Blackhorn 209, Pyrodex & Triple Seven

Three propellants dominate the modern muzzleloader market. Blackhorn 209 is the premium choice — it burns cleaner than any alternative, produces consistent velocities, and doesn’t require swabbing between shots. Pyrodex (RS and Select grades) is the most widely available black powder substitute, reliable and affordable but requiring more cleaning than Blackhorn. Triple Seven by Hodgdon burns cleaner than Pyrodex and produces higher velocities, making it a popular mid-tier choice. Traditional black powder (FFg grade) remains available and required by some states’ primitive weapons definitions.

Muzzleloaders, Black Powder & Related Pages

For black powder pistols that also ship without FFL, see our black powder pistols page. For Thompson Center specifically — including the Encore platform and accessories — see our Thompson Center page. For traditional hunting rifles in centerfire calibers, see our hunting rifles page. For muzzleloader season ammunition including saboted bullets and propellants, see our reloading and components page.