Markets are driven by supply and demand, and the muzzleloader industry has experienced several changes over the decades. Small calibers have been popular for plinking and hunting rabbits and squirrels. The .54 caliber was popular until the inline revolution changed loads and ignition. Big and slow always got the job done.

Although the .54 was still available, the .50 caliber inlines quickly stole the show and dominated the market’s attention. Traditions offers many different models of muzzleloaders, and the .50 caliber is the most prominent. However, shooting enthusiasts have paid more attention to bullet design and ballistic coefficients in the last decade. Long-range shooting is more popular than ever, and the spillover from centerfire enthusiasts is showing up in the muzzleloader community. Every major muzzleloader manufacturer is producing .45 caliber rifles to meet a new demand by consumers. Is the new .45 caliber craze offering precision shooting in the muzzleloader world?

.50 caliber

The .50 caliber has been popular amongst hunters for decades, and available guns and accessories still lean toward this market demand. Bullets, sabots, and other accessories for the .50 caliber are easy to source, with plenty of options. If you have a .50 caliber muzzleloader, why would you consider a .45 caliber?

The new .45 caliber

Advancements in all smokepoles have fostered increased options with the .45 caliber rifles. The new .45s are not the rifles your grandpa used to shoot. Traditions introduced a new model of its StrikerFire in .45 caliber with a VAPR barrel. The smaller diameter caliber has an even faster barrel twist than the .50 caliber at 1:20 inches. Increased rifling means better bullet stability, which leads to accuracy and downrange performance.

The Traditions Vortek StrikerFire is a hammerless muzzleloader that offers fast and silent lockdown. When gripping the rifle, a silent cocking button slides forward under the thumb until it locks, putting the gun in fire mode and ready to shoot. A red dot appears when the slide is locked, letting the shooter visually know the gun is ready to fire. The firearm is easily and safely 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. By eliminating the external hammer, the shooter can obtain faster lock time and mount the scope closer to the bore, allowing the gun to operate with less weight.

The Vortek StrikerFire was a perfect option for Traditions to blend new technologies and offer more advantages to hunters and shooters. A perfect example is the TAC2 Trigger System in the StrikerFire, a two-stage competition-style trigger. This trigger is an upgrade from triggers on other muzzleloaders currently on the market. It will allow shooters to realize the full potential of the firearm and the repeatable accuracy of the .45 caliber. 

The Traditions Pursuit XT has been a long-term consumer favorite, and it would only make sense to offer the popular line to the next level of .45 calibers. The Pursuit XT sports a 26-inch Chromoly steel barrel recognized as the best barrel material for strength and accuracy. The specialized barrel keeps the muzzleloader lightweight and accurate. The Pursuit XT also has a VAPR Twist barrel with a 1:20-inch twist. The new .45 caliber will appeal to muzzleloader enthusiasts wanting to shoot flatter trajectories with higher velocity. It screams value and performance. 

The Pursuit XT features the Elite XT Trigger system,  with a rebounding hammer and manual cross-block trigger safety. The rifle comes with a Quick-T Ramrod Handle to add comfort and speed to the loading process and also functions as a cleaning rod. The Pursuit XT offers outstanding features with new technologies.

Fast Twist

The .45s typically have a faster barrel or rifling twist rate, which helps to stabilize the bullets. The extra twist also increases accuracy and expands the range of bullet options used in a .45 caliber muzzleloader. Interest in long-range shooting has helped generate more interest in the .45 caliber models, as shooters find they have flatter trajectories accompanied by higher velocity. Accuracy and flat trajectory go hand-in-hand and make the .45 more of a precision firearm. In other words, it is a great option if you are looking for a more precise shooting experience. The Strikerfire and Pursuit XT have the VAPR 1:20-inch twist barrel engineered to stabilize the high ballistic coefficient muzzleloading bullets used in the new .45s.

Bullets

The Traditions Smackdown bullet in .45 caliber provides outstanding accuracy in a .45 muzzleloader. Bullets may be more difficult to source for the .45, so having one that is proven makes the learning curve shorter. The Smackdown bullet is accurate when used with the StrikerFire or Pursuit XT muzzleloaders. The performance-proven Smackdown bullet line delivers a lethal energy transfer to reduce the chance of tracking. Accuracy and performance make any rifle a coveted item.  

The Smackdown .45 Caliber bullets are constructed with a red Spire Point polymer tip, and a tapered copper jacket interlocked with a lead core. The bullet weighs 200 grains and is .40 in diameter. A plastic sabot brings the projectile up to a .45 caliber diameter. The jacket opens, allowing the lead core to mushroom on impact while retaining structure and weight. The bullet sits in an easy-loading four-petal sabot. The plastic sabot provides a consistent gas seal for consistent velocity shot after shot. The sabot plays an important role, as it fully engages the rifling to keep the bullet centered and allows for maximum velocity.

The .45 caliber muzzleloaders can use .44 or .40 caliber bullets with the appropriate sabot to bring them to the proper diameter. There are pistol bullets for options, but the ones designed for hunting can often perform better to fill the freezer.

Loads

Traditions recommends that you begin your shooting with a charge between 80 grains of black powder or Pyrodex loose or pelletized powder (use 56 grains of Triple 7 loose powder) to lessen the recoil and let yourself get acquainted with your muzzleloader. The bullet that you need is dependent upon the game you are hunting. Traditions recommends using a powder charge of 80-150 grains, depending on what you are hunting or shooting with your muzzleloader.

The maximum powder load for the break-open muzzleloaders when using Pyrodex powder is 150 grains. The maximum powder load for the break-open muzzleloaders when using Triple 7 loose powder is 130 grains.

A .45-caliber 180-grain bullet with 100 grains of Triple 7 pellets will produce a velocity of 2,062 fps and 1,699 ft/lbs of energy. A 200-grain bullet will produce 1,592 fps and 1,125 ft/lbs of energy. Check out and play on the range with the Smackdown Carnivore 250-grain bullet in .45 caliber.

Recoil

The .45 caliber muzzleloaders generally shoot smaller and lighter bullets. The smaller projectile is part of the advantage. Smaller or lighter bullets mean less felt recoil for the shooter. Anyone who is recoil-sensitive will appreciate the softer punch from powder and bullet.

Long range

Understanding the ballistic coefficient is essential for long-range shooting. A longer and narrower bullet for the .45 caliber allows it to perform better down range. Higher velocity, more stable bullet flight, and accuracy are achieved. Play with different bullet designs to optimize distance accuracy that will change how you think about a muzzleloader.

Thinking

Consider a new .45 caliber muzzleloader to embrace change and learn new skills. The transition or options will be easy if you are familiar with muzzleloaders. If you are new to muzzleloading, the door is wide open to research calibers and the pros and cons of each. In most cases, you will find that having one of each is the best bet. Keep your powder dry and shoot straight.

Vortek StrikerFire Specifications:

• .45 caliber
• VAPR 1:20″ twist
• 28-inch ultralight Chromoly tapered, fluted barrel
• StrikerFire System—no external hammer
• StrikerFire Button – slide the button forward unit it locks to cock the gun
• Recessed de-cocking button
• TAC2 TRIGGER SYSTEM – 2-stage competition-style trigger
• ACCELERATOR Breech Plug
• Recoil-reducing buttstock and buttpad
• LT-1 Alloy frame
• Hogue Comfort-Grip Overmolding
• Speed Load System – easy loading and more consistent groups
• Dual Safety System
• Quick-T Ramrod Handle
• Drilled and tapped for a scope
• Sling swivel studs
• 209 shotgun primer ignition
• Solid aluminum ramrod

Pursuit XT Specification:

• 45 CALIBER
• 209 shotgun primer ignition
• 26-inch ultralight Chromoly tapered and fluted barrel
• VAPR 1:20 inch Twist
• Premium CERAKOTE finish on the outside of the barrel
• Elite XT Trigger System
• 5.75 pounds
• Wider forend for better grip
• ACCELERATOR Breech Plug – works with loose and pelletized powder
• LT-1 Alloy frame
• Dual Safety System – rebounding hammer and cross block manual trigger safety
• Speed Load System
• Quick-T Ramrod Handle
• Quick Relief Recoil Pad
• Lightweight and maneuverable
• Fast action release button
• Extended ambidextrous hammer extension
• Drilled and tapped for a scope
• Sling swivel studs
• Solid aluminum ramrod

For more information on all Traditions products, go to www.traditionsfirearms.com