Black Powder Rifles

Black powder rifles and muzzleloaders occupy a unique space in the firearms world—they are among the most historically significant firearms ever made and remain actively used for hunting, target shooting, and collecting today. Modern in-line muzzleloaders from CVA and Thompson Center deliver sub-MOA accuracy and reliable ignition with 209 primers, making them effective hunting tools. Traditional flintlock and percussion cap rifles from Traditions and Pedersoli preserve the craft and experience of historical shooting. In most states, muzzleloaders also qualify for special early hunting seasons that open before and after regular firearms seasons—a meaningful practical advantage for hunters.

Read our full Muzzleloader & Black Powder Buying Guide ↓

In-Line vs Traditional Muzzleloaders

In-line muzzleloaders use a 209 shotgun primer that fires in-line with the bore, providing more reliable ignition in wet and cold conditions than flintlock or percussion cap systems. CVA Accura, CVA Paramount, and Thompson Center Encore are the most popular in-line hunting muzzleloaders. They load from the muzzle with a measured powder charge, a sabot-wrapped bullet, and a 209 primer, and are capable of 200-yard accuracy with modern loads. Traditional muzzleloaders use either a flintlock mechanism (striking flint against steel to ignite powder in a pan) or a percussion cap system (a small copper cap on a nipple). Traditional guns are slower to load and more weather-sensitive but are required for some primitive weapons seasons and are deeply satisfying to shoot.

CVA Muzzleloaders: The Hunting Standard

CVA (Connecticut Valley Arms) is the most widely used muzzleloader brand for hunting applications. The CVA Accura is the mid-tier hunting rifle—a break-action in-line with a 209 primer ignition, available in .50 caliber with a Bergara barrel for sub-MOA performance. The CVA Paramount is the premium long-range muzzleloader, designed around heavy 300-grain bullets and maximum powder charges to reach 300-yard hunting distances. The CVA Scout is a compact single-shot pistol/rifle available in .357 Magnum, .45-70, and .350 Legend that can be configured as a muzzleloader or centerfire depending on the barrel. For hunters who want a modern, reliable muzzleloader for the special season advantage, CVA is the default recommendation.

Thompson Center Muzzleloaders

Thompson Center has produced quality muzzleloaders since 1970 and offers both in-line and traditional designs. The TC Encore and Omega are proven in-line hunting rifles with a track record across decades of whitetail and elk seasons. Thompson Center's traditional Hawken and Renegade models are among the most respected traditional muzzleloaders in the market, used by both hunters in primitive seasons and black powder shooting enthusiasts. TC's modular Encore platform also allows barrel swaps between centerfire, rimfire, and muzzleloader configurations on the same receiver—making it one of the most versatile single-shot platforms available.

Muzzleloader Hunting Season Advantages

The primary practical reason hunters use muzzleloaders is access to special seasons. Most states offer a dedicated muzzleloader or primitive weapons season that runs before and/or after the regular firearms season. These seasons typically have lower hunter pressure, cooler temperatures, and more predictable game movement patterns than the peak of regular season. In many western states, muzzleloader tags are also easier to draw than rifle tags in limited-entry units. A modern in-line muzzleloader in .50 caliber with a quality load is effective to 200 yards and fully capable of taking any North American big game animal cleanly within that range.

Black Powder and Propellant Options

Traditional black powder (FFg and FFFg granulation) is the historical propellant for muzzleloaders but is increasingly difficult to find and requires careful storage due to its sensitivity to heat and moisture. Pyrodex and Triple Seven are black powder substitutes that offer similar performance with easier storage and cleaner burning. Triple Seven produces less fouling than real black powder and is the most popular propellant for modern in-line muzzleloaders. Blackhorn 209 is a newer propellant designed specifically for 209-primer in-line rifles and offers the cleanest burning and most consistent performance of any muzzleloader propellant currently available, at a higher price per shot than alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions: Black Powder Rifles

What is the difference between a traditional and inline muzzleloader?
A traditional muzzleloader uses a caplock (percussion cap) or flintlock ignition system — the shooter places a percussion cap on a nipple or primes the pan with powder, and the hammer strike ignites the main charge. An inline muzzleloader places the ignition system (typically a 209 shotgun primer) directly inline with the bore for more reliable ignition, better weather resistance, and faster lock times. Modern inline muzzleloaders from CVA, Traditions, and Thompson/Center are significantly more accurate and weather-resistant than traditional designs — but some states restrict muzzleloader season to traditional ignition systems to maintain the spirit of the primitive weapons season.

Do I need a background check to buy a muzzleloader?
Modern muzzleloading firearms (both traditional and inline) are not classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act and can be purchased without a background check or FFL transfer in most states. They can be ordered online and shipped directly to the buyer. However, muzzleloading conversions and some specific designs may be regulated differently — verify the specific product’s legal classification before purchasing. Primers and powder must be purchased in-store due to hazmat shipping restrictions.

What caliber is best for deer hunting with a muzzleloader?
.50 caliber is the most popular and widely available muzzleloader caliber for deer hunting — the broad selection of saboted bullets, powder charges, and rifles in .50 cal makes it the practical starting point. .45 caliber is growing in popularity for its flatter trajectory with appropriate saboted bullets and is required for some state-specific regulations. Verify your state’s muzzleloader season regulations for any caliber minimums before purchasing.

Note: Black powder and muzzleloader primers are available for in-store purchase at our Ogden, UT and Boise, ID locations. These items cannot be shipped due to hazmat regulations.