The recoil is not bad, especially when you consider how fast the triple 7 was pushing the 250 grain bullets. While the deer were busy posturing and trying to determine dominance, I leveled my scope on the big boy, cocked the hammer, and gently squeezed the trigger. Speaking of fast, I also did a little bit of crony work just to see what this thing was doing. This faster twist rate will better stabilize bullets, increase accuracy, and also expand the range of bullet options that can be shot out of this muzzleloader. Why It Made the CutTraditions has two long-standing models that remain popular amongst consumersPursuit and Buckstalkerboth known for value and performance. After days of packing, I shot my dream ram at 213 yards with a single, well-placed shot. CVA introduced the Paramount Pro muzzleloader in 2020 as an upgrade to the original Paramount. The Vortek StrikerFire LDR, coupled with Hodgdon's Triple 7 Starfire pellets and Traditions Smackdown bullets provide an accurate and deadly combination for any serious big-game hunter. Joseph VonBenedikt is with Joel Hodgdon to talk about the improved accuracy and long-range potential of the already reliable Core-Lokt ammo line. After a season of hunting with the Traditions Vortek StrikerFire, I can confidently recommend this muzzleloader to anyone. Pawn star drops 190 pounds, look at him now. With a hunt looming, I mounted a clear Nikon 3-9X 40mm scope sporting the company's Ballistic Drop Compensating (BDC) reticle calibrated for muzzleloader trajectories and went to work sighting-in. Dont let the fact that the Remington 700 UML is an older design (compared to the other muzzleloaders on this list) keep you from purchasing one either. The trigger on the Paramount is very good, but it doesnt get much better than a Trigger Tech trigger, which allows for rapid adjustments by ounce between 1.5 and 3.5 pounds. Keep in mind that the velocity was the only stat being recorded, and so accuracy will not be calculatedinthis article. Instead of the 1:28 twist thats common with typical modern inline muzzleloaders, the Traditions VAPR barrels use a faster 1:24 rifling twist. Your main decision comes down to whether you want convenience or performance beyond traditional inline muzzleloaders. CeraKote on the metal and a rubberized stock make the rifle almost impervious to the elements. SteveR Oct 8, 2012 Oct 8, 2012 #1 S SteveR 8 pointer Nov 5, 2005 618 Bought this as a Christmas Present to "MYSELF" last year and haven't had a chance to really experiment with it. The MR comes with a matching Quake Claw Sling, SoftTouch stock with rubber grip panels, and DuraSight DEAD-ON one-piece scope mount. It would be a great trigger on any gun much less one that is a muzzleloader. The guy at the gun store that I know real well talked me out of a sale for a TC Pro Hunter FX that was much more in $$$. Accelerator Breech Plug is easily removed by hand and allows you to fire both loose and pelletized powder. No more hammers sticking off the sides of guns. Muzzleloader hunting is steeped in history and tradition. With this type of accuracy, Id pull the trigger confidently. Triple Seven also makes a 50/30 pellet which would pair great with the Magnum Pellets. The 209 ignition and 150 grain magnum loads proves reliable and consistent groups out to 200 yards. Traditions brings to the forefront new muzzleloading technology that is gleaned from experience in the field and at the range. It took two trips to the range to get it sighted in. Finally, the .45 caliber CVA Paramount Pro is a good choice for those who are required to use a .45 caliber muzzleloader at a minimum, but want a lighter and generally nicer muzzleloader than the original Paramount. Manufacturers have updated versions of black powder arms. Like the Paramount line of long range muzzleloaders, the 30 long barrel for the Accura LR-X is free-floated and has a threaded muzzle to accept the new Paramount Muzzle Brake. The Traditions Vortek StrikerFire Muzzleloader also features a dual-safety system, 209 primer ignition, and an accurate front sight. CVA has mastered the breech plug by creating one that is easy to remove and clean without using a tool. BH 209 (100 gr. This whitetail was taken in blustery conditions--just the kind of weather the Vortek excels in. A big buck, his nose to the ground, was oblivious to our pursuit. 6.5 pound barrel length. I might pick one of these for my dad. All things considered, the CVA Paramount was a massive step forward in long range muzzleloader development and has been extremely well received by the hunting community. Once the rifle was sighted in it was really a pleasure to shoot. Before returning to the range I reset the scope to its zero by counting all of the clicks then turning it back exactly half way. Think of the wooden stocked Hawken rifles or even reproductions of guns carried in the American Civil War. Previous post: Pawn star drops 190 pounds, look at him now! I never had any problems with function at all. Walther's new Performance Duty Pistol is ready for both concealed carry and conventional service situations. Traditions Vortek StrikerFire. It is still one of the best long range muzzleloaders money can buy. I could have probably gone to 4 or 5 before cleaning but I wanted to be sure that fouling was not the cause of any issues. I will experiment with different loads and see the difference. The box of 250 grain bullets, some assembly required. Its Speed Breech XT is straightforward to remove with two fingers, even after hours on the range. Product DescriptionThe CVA Paramount HTR is the latest addition to the Paramount Series and is offered in .40 and .45 calibers. Every thing I tried loads so hard that I cannot hunt with it. Current production Paramounts also have a threaded muzzle and can use a muzzle brake to reduce felt recoil. The whole rifle weighs in at 6.8 pounds, which makes it by far the lightest rifle on this list of long range muzzleloaders. She can use my Pro Hunter that I shot 20 times without touching the breech plug. Finally, the .45 caliber Paramount was not legal to use for hunting all game in all states. I could not tell where I was missing. That 1:28 rifling twist will properly stabilize the longer PowerBelt ELR bullets and theyll still reliably expand on impact, but only at higher velocities. The first shot from 100 yards was about 2 feet low and a foot to the left. This gun hard to get a bullet down the barrel sabot , slug or patch/ball also very hard to clean ,too much blow back at back of breath plug guns up after 3 shots it gums up hard to open and will not lock tight not allowing you to set strikefire system lots of powder stain on scope also breath plug got lose after shooting only good thing I can say it very accurate . Why It Made the CutWith many muzzleloader manufacturers going to smaller bullets, Knight still offers a .52 caliber workhorse. To be fair, I believe the Traditions scope that came with it is an issue. While some models are drilled and tapped for a scope, the Paramount Pro is also available with the outstanding Williams Western Precision Sight Set, which is the best mass produced muzzleloader sight available these days. You can put together these kits in a day to full weekend depending on your skill level and how much finishing work you want to do. From 25 yards, we had no trouble. That alone makes for a slow ignition or a hang fire. No external hammer offers faster lock time and a more silent operation. The new Vortek from Traditions adds yet another modern system into the mix: it is striker fired. In the end, we had it dialed in well from 100 yards. I wasnt too worried about it being high from 25 yards. I brought a big sheet of cardboard with me to see where the shots were going. Its designed to load a bullet down the barrel, which seats against a raised shelf and allows the capsulated powder to load through the breech directly under the projectile. Muzzleloaders have come a long way from the more primitive flintlock and percussion cap traditional muzzleloaders carried by most hunters in the 18th and 19th centuries. Last Sunday got it out to set it up. It isn't the best hunting shot I've made with a muzzleloader, but it was a good one and bullet placement was perfect. CVA claims sub-MOA accuracy at 300 yards is very achievable with the Paramount and this has been my experience with this muzzleloader at the range. You must log in or register to reply here. Copyright 2023 Muzzle-Loaders.com. It also has a Cerakote finish for corrosion resistance. The gun, scope, load choice and call had paid off handsomely. Even though it breaks open, it is still a muzzleloader. The whole rifle is coated in RealTree Xtra CeraKote that is applied very well. Traditions Vortek Strikerfire VAPR LDR Traditions decided to go a slightly different direction from most of the competition with their Strikerfire line of long range muzzleloaders. The PAS . Tony brought several Knight muzzleloaders, and I was given a quick rundown of features, loading tips, and techniques. Features. The bullet stuck. The StrikerFire is still a traditional inline muzzleloader that uses standard black powder equivalent charges and a sabot and bullet. The StrikerFire is outfitted with a TAC2 two-stage trigger that is set at 2 pounds . CONTACT US Traditions Performance Firearms 1375 Boston Post Road P.O. The Vortek The new Vortek from Traditions packs 200 years of new advancements in muzzleloading technology into one slick package. JavaScript is disabled. After the hunt, and when time allowed, I switched the camo Nikon scope out for a Bushnell 2.5-16X 42mm Elite 6500 for some serious accuracy testing. Finally, CVA teamed up with PowerBelt to develop a line of new, extremely aerodynamic muzzleloader bullets specifically for the Paramount: the PowerBelt Extended Long Range (ELR). Learn the difference between revolvers and semi-auto pistols and what makes them different. He ran about 30 yards and crashed. The rifle was accurate, consistent, and easy to use and maintain. It takes some time to load one of these. With the Vortex Diamondback HP scope I topped it with, once entering the . You get what you pay for..go buy a thompson center and you wont regret it. Capable of firing up to a 150gr charge of Blackhorn 209, the .40 caliber Paramount Pro has the flattest trajectory of any mass produced muzzleloader available today. Instead of a musket cap or a standard 209 primer, the Remington UML uses a special brass magnum rifle casing and a standard magnum rifle primer. Also factor in that this uses black powder or an equivalent and that is dirty. Safety features built into the breech mean that if it is not entirely threaded into the barrel, the shooter cannot close the break-action of the rifle. I dont shoot that same ML but your on the right track with that load No need for a 150 grain magnum load unless your planning on shooting really far in my opinion. A World Record Attempt and everyone is out at the range shooting and practicing. Second shot = Hang fire. There is no external hammer, and the rifle is cocked with a Stealth Striker system that slides forward till it locks in the ready-to-shoot position. Out of Stock. Traditions Vortek Muzzleloader Kentucky Hunting is the leading online community for outdoors enthusiasts to discuss hunting, fishing, archery, and life in Kentucky. The preformed pellets arent cheap, but theyre incredibly easy to use. $449.00 - $515.00. Quick tip- Bring a fellow muzzleloader and share one lane. And the lightweight stock has an adjustable comb for perfect eye-to-optic alignment. Its kind of like the tang safety on a Mossberg shotgun but bigger and takes some more power to move it. Its also still a very flexible muzzleloader that will work really well with standard bullets at closer range if so desired. The Traditions Vortek StrikerFire VAPR LDR has been a staple for muzzleloader hunters since its creation and this year, Traditions added a .45 caliber option. There's little to dislike. The big manufacturers are constantly introducing new muzzleloading rifle models each year, but theyre not always legal to use where you plan on hunting. We assume no liability associated with misuse of our products. You are using an out of date browser. The other buck rounded up his lady and headed for safer country while I went to grasp the tines of a buck I just harvested with the newest technology to hit the market. Like I said, the CVA Accura LR-X is a less expensive and lighter alternative to the CVA Paramount that still has higher end features like a free floated barrel, adjustable stock, and the ability to use the more aerodynamic PowerBelt ELR bullets. The black powder averages about 1,260 FPS and the triple 7 was 1,900. With 100 grains of black powder, the speeds were much lower, but still effective. Buy Traditions Vortek, Trad R56110460 Vortek Strkr 50cal 28" Bk-ss: GunBroker is the largest seller of Black Powder Rifles & Muzzleloader Rifles Black Powder & Muzzleloaders All: 979252047 . Yep, just like your GLOCK. A red dot is uncovered when the slide is locked and lets the shooter know the gun is ready to fire. This rifle consistently shot sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. Anyone who has this gun let us know what you all think about it!!! Promotions, new products and sales. The best muzzleloaders keep stretching the distance, so ask yourself: do I want to challenge my skills to get close, and will my new rifle choice limit its use and seasons? Technology pushes the envelope for hunters, and it can be challenging to keep up with the capabilities of a modern muzzleloader. The best group is just over 2 inches. I need a piece of wood to help push the load down and it takes all my strength to do it. Muzzle-Loaders.com used the full five pellet load as per manufacturer recommendation and achieved great results. Yet we had to start from scratch before we could get it on paper at 100 yards. For those reasons, this is a very flexible muzzleloader that will work great for deer hunting east of the Mississippi as well as game like mule deer, elk, and pronghorn out west where ranges can be a little longer. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to create free content thats useful to hunters like yourself. Ive used other powders including blackhorn and several different bullets. This lever sets the striker. Its kind of like having a GM in the garage. Traditions was the first company to manufacture a muzzleloader that would take advantage of the FireStick technology. Even after prolonged shooting, the breech threads out easily, never seizing due to specially designed O-rings that prevent blowback into the threads or primer chamber. Recessed de-cocking button. The MSRP for the Vortek StrikerFire LDR is $699. The HTR .45 caliber shoots a 285-grain bullet at 2560 fps, comparable to several .30 caliber centerfire cartridges. It is outfitted with a Monte Carlo style stock. Traditions Vortek StrikerFire - Best Northwest Hunting Modern Muzzleloader CVA Accura MR-X Cerakote Sniper Gray/Nitride Muzzleloader - Most Durable Modern Muzzleloader CVA Paramount HTR .45 Cal Muzzleloader - Most Reliable Modern Muzzleloader I'm a traditional muzzleloader guy at heart, but this time I was glad the smokepole in the stand with me was as modern and cutting-edge as they come. All things considered, these features make the Traditions Vortek Strikerfire LDR VAPR one of the best long range muzzleloaders for hunters on a more strict budget. This pistol comes with a 1-4x24 matte black scope mounted and boresighted by a factory trained technician. Traditions Vortek StrikerFire VAPR Muzzleloader - .50 Cal Black & SS - R56110460. The Vortek StrikerFire is set apart by the patented StrikerFire system which replaces . They called the new muzzleloader the NitroFire. Final analysis: The Traditions Vortek StrikerFire is still a plain old muzzleloader, but it's equipped with the latest technologyand that's not a bad thing. At least the primers always fell right out when I turned the gun over and gave it a shake. This is a great feature to help hunters obtain a proper cheek weld regardless of whether theyre using open sights or a scope. Boneyard Bill and the Optima Pistol following 50-yard shooting. This allows hunters to use heavier and more aerodynamic bullets like the .50 caliber PowerBelt ELR. No crazy angles for your spark to navigate here. This time, a Traditions Smackdown seated easily. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. For more detailed information on choosing the right primer, propellant, bullets, sights, and scopes, check out these other articles: 15 Of The Best Muzzleloader Primers For Igniting Your Powder. A retaining collar fastens the Adapt breech system, protecting it from the elements and ensuring consistent ignition for every shot. Legal Notice - Muzzle-Loaders.com observes all Federal, State and local laws. This bullet doesnt have a very high BC like the PowerBelt ELR bullets used by the Paramount, but the Remington 700 UML can shoot those bullets at a very high velocity since it can use such a large powder charge. The Vortek's single shot with iron sights was about 4-inches to the right. Traditions 1851 Navy Steel Revolver Pistol - .44 Cal - FR18512. A nitride coating inside and outside of the barrel offers complete corrosion prevention, while a 24-inch Cloverleaf Precision Barrel, made by Green Mountain Rifle Barrel Co., is accurate and durable. Traditions Performance Firearms Introduces The New Vortek Muzzleloader Rifle. . 100 pellets will get you 50 shots, which doesnt seem like much until you start loading each one by hand. It uses a standard magnum powder charge, so muzzle velocities wont be quite as high as with the Paramount, but the Accura wont have quite as much recoil either. I'm a traditional muzzleloader guy at heart, but this time I was glad the smokepole in the stand with me was as modern and cutting-edge as they come. To see what other stuff is on the list, check out the following article: Are you looking for a long range muzzleloader thats a less expensive and lighter alternative to the CVA Paramount? The Remington Model 700 Ultimate Muzzleloader was designed to use 250 grain Barnes Premier muzzleloader bullets that have a special sabot designed to handle those exceptionally large powder charges. Instead of measuring bullet groups, I noted the range and accuracy. With a limited reserve of 250-grain versions, I attempted to initially sight-in the Vortek with some standard Hornady SST sabot bullets. Rugged design is ideal for packing into the backcountry. This has been a welcome feature for Paramount shooters and has been so well received that current production Paramount models also have a threaded muzzle. Traditions. at the muzzle. SAFETY & INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR TRADITIONS VORTEK STRIKERFIRE WITH VAPR TWIST WARNING: Black Powder or an approved black powder substitute are the only propellant powders that are safe to use in thismuzzleloading firearm. Remington has gone through a lot of turmoil in recent years, but theyre back in business now and producing the Remington 700 UML again (along with many of their other popular firearms). Even though the rifle comes in zeroed, Id suggest doing it yourself before you put it in the field. Your email address will not be published. The .40 caliber version in particular is another great choice for a hunter wanting a really flat trajectory, while the .45 caliber version is excellent for hunters who want a lighter muzzleloader than the original Paramount that doesnt cost as much as the Paramount Pro. In addition to all of that, the CVA Paramount Pro uses a fully adjustable Trigger Tech trigger. Additionally, its also sometimes really tough get past the hype and media promotion that surrounds all new products in the outdoor industry. The Traditions Vortek LDR muzzleloader is the top of the line model from Traditions and boasts a 300-yard shooting capability by providing better velocity through its 30" Nitride-treated Chromoly steel barrel. The cap meant we no longer had to hit a rock on steel to make a spark. Looking forward to shooting it tomorrow evening. It is a 3-940. While the IMR White Hots Pellets did not achieve the fastest velocity out of the tests, it was proven to be the cleanest pelletized powder that we tested. This is a gun that is built to be used during a specific hunting season, the muzzleloader season. Now these guns work, but there has been at least a century and a half of technology that has left them in the dust of antiquity. The lowest velocity powder was the Triple Seven Magnum Pellets at 1782 fps. Box 776 Old Saybrook , CT 06475 Tel. 860-388-4657 Email: [email protected] The Triple Seven Magnum Pellets come in 60-grain pellets and only two should be loaded into the muzzleloader at one time. However, the really cool thing about these muzzleloaders is they can use the .45 or .50 caliber PowerBelt ELR bullets. I had to screw out the breech plug (easily done, thankfully), dump the powder from the bore, and pound the SST out from the breech. All the rifles put meat in the pot; the only one not used on a hunt was the CVA Paramount HTR. On that bad-weather note, the Vortek Ultralight--introduced last year--is admirably engineered against the elements. The ignition uses a large rifle primer, and the Paramount HTR can provide muzzle velocities over 2700 fps when you use the maximum recommended propellant charges. Black Powder Rifles, I have been using a Knight Woverine shooting a 270 grain sabot with two 777 pellets (100 grains) for 5 years and it shot fine. The Vortek's weather-protected, shotgun-primer-activated ignition is less demanding. Still not as fast as my Savage.Using 47.5 grs of powder.200 yds.4in drop from 100 yard zero With 250 grain bullet.Every Tradition,Owned shot great 1st year.Then next season was time to get rid of them.Had Savage 15 years.still shoots great, Hi Earl, I have a savage muzzle loader but I cant seem to find the right sabot/ bullet combo. Accuracy was good--certainly good enough to shoot at extended distances--though I didn't get the 1-inch groups I'd heard touted from the Vortek. For instance, a hunter looking for the best long range muzzleloader for use in states like Colorado that require a .50 caliber muzzleloader for hunting certain animals and/or prohibit the use of a scope should buy a .50 caliber CVA Paramount Pro. And they keep getting better. The trigger is smooth and crisp. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Junk. Thats even more propellant than the much newer CVA Paramount normally uses. Since the barrel is free-floated for better accuracy, the Paramount uses a collapsible ramrod that fits in an included pouch for use afield instead of storing the ramrod under the barrel. TAC2 Trigger - two-stage trigger. Next shot good. Why It Made the CutWith no breech plug, this muzzleloader provides a fast, accurate, and consistent shooting system that is easy to maintain. Joseph Von Benedikt is with Rafe Nielsen of Browning to take a look at a new X-Bolt series rifle. So with all that in mind, Im sharing my picks of the best long range muzzleloaders for hunters in 2023 so you can make an informed decision and choose the best long range muzzleloader for you. For what is a primer other than a glorified percussion cap? They block a lot of the view of the target and make trying to hold on a 1" spot pretty much a guessing game. The Redemption .50-caliber is a break-action muzzleloader with a unique breech system. That makes cleaning a lot easier than the muzzleloaders of yore. The FT2 Match Trigger breaks clean and light. Traditions offers a Hornady-built proprietary saboted muzzleloader bullet dubbed the "Smackdown." The shots were about 5 inches high and an inch or two to the right. The 28" tapered, fluted chromoly barrel delivers an accurate 1-in-28" rate of twist. Give us a Call: (855) 236-5000. All are .50 caliber. So, no. This series features a Chromoly steel barrel, premium CeraKote finish, TAC-2 Trigger System, Hogue Comfort Grip Overmolding, Dual Safety System, and Accelerator Breech Plug, which removes by hand and allows for the use of loose or pelletized powder. Without this little piece of metal and a touch of fulminated mercury, Sam Colt could have never made men equal. Speaking of safety, the Vortek also has a traditional push button trigger safety. The Mossberg 500 Pump Action Shotgun is one of the most popular home defense shotguns on the market. All orders are subject to acceptance by Muzzle-Loaders.com, which reserves the right to refuse any order.