Traditions Nitrofire/Nitrobolt

[thale51]

Anyone have any experience with either one of these? Looking at possibly picking one up for next year and wanted to hear feedback on them before I get one. I like the Firestick concept and it looks like right now these are the only two muzzleloaders available that will shoot them. I know CVA made one, but I think they stopped production on them.

Thanks!

 

[1984dog]

I have the Traditionns Nitrofire with the 1:24 twist. I really like the concept, but it does come at a price. The firesticks are expensive, but if you look in the classified section of Gunbroker.com you can find some deals if you buy in bulk. I use the 100 g firesticks.

At the range, I have shot many different bullets and found that the Hornady Bore Dirvers (290 g or the 340 g ELD) are the most accurate rounds with the Hornady 300 g SST a distant 3rd. Here are some random comments:

1. I am not fond of the trigger as it has a lot of creep. Once you get used to the creep and learn that you can slowly pull the trigger back and stop when you get some resistance and then pull the remaining way - you will get much better groups. It takes getting used to but once you learn how to handle the trigger creep - it is not that bad.
2. I regularly get 1.5" groups at 100 yards with the Hornady BoreDrivers.
3. I employ a chronograph and get a 200 fps drop in muzzle velocity after 3 or 4 shots due to plastic fouling. After a good brush cleaning, the velocity comes back. I purchased a 50 cal boresnake and use it after ever shot and that does the trick.
4. I get a muzzle velocity of 1818 fps with the 100 g firestick and the 290 g BoreDriver. I get 1764 fps with the 340 g BoreDriver. If your shots are 125 yds or less, the 290 g BoreDriver is best. If you will have shots > 125 yds - use the 340 g BoreDriver ELD-X.
5. I also find that the gun shots better after one fouling shot. I hate wasting a firestick, but the gun simply shoots better with a fouled barrel. Shoot one firestick with no bullet to foul the barrel.
6. Sighting your gun in at 100 yds, here is what you should get:
290 g BoreDrivere: 100 yd , 0; 125 yd, -2.1"; 150 yd, -5.6"; 175 yds, -10.7"
340 g BoreDriver ELD-X: 100 yd, 0"; 125 yd, -1.7"; 150 yd, -4.3"; 175 yd, -8"; 200 yds-12.7"

I really do not see the big advantage of the Nitrobolt as it appears to be more difficult to clean using a boresnake. If the Nitrobolt came in a 45 cal I would be interested as you can still get the Honady BoreDriver bullets in 45 cal. The 45 cal will get you more velocity and distance along with shooting a little flatter (higher bullet coeff.).

 

[thale51]

Man, that is great feedback! I appreciate it. I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Nitrobolt so I'll be interested to see how it performs when I get it. As far the bullets and the Firestick go, I had been looking at the Traditions Smackdown ELD-X and the MZX in 290 gr. Do you think the 120 grain Firestick would give any improvements over the 100 grain as far as performance and accuracy go?

 

[1984dog]

You will definately have a nice muzzleloader. Invest in a 50 cal boresnake - you will not regret it.

Bullets - I have some of the Traditions MZX 290 grain bullets and with exception of the green plastic, they look exactly like the Hornady Bore Driver FTX. I have not shot those bullets yet.

100 vs 120 g Firesticks - I have not shot any of the 120's, but doing a little research on the Federal Firestick website I see that an extra 20% of powder typically produces less than 10% more velocity. I'll try some soon, but for now I'm happy with the 100 g Firesticks. If the 120's allows me to push out to 200 to 225 yds, I may look at switching - but it will take a hunting place that offers 200 yd shots.

I've got the best deals on Firesticks from Reeds Guns and Ammo (at gunbroker.com). Buy in bulk (like 10 packs at a time) and you will get better deals. Reeds has never charged me for shipping or hazardous materials handling like most other stores. My intel also tells me that the Triple 8 powder in the Firestick is actually BH209 powder. I've been saving my used firesticks and someday I will attempt to reload.

Also, never believe what the ballistics say on ammo box. I typically measure (Chronograph) muzzle velocities and will get 93 - 97% of what the box says. Using a muzzleloader, any distance > 125 yards is considered long range as the bullets drop like a brick. It takes a little skill/experience - so be prepared and know exactly what your gun can do.

Have some fun and let me know how the Nitrobolt shoots. I hope the info that I have provided will save you some time. Let me know if that trigger is adjustable.

 

[thale51]

I appreciate it! That's definitely useful info that will help. I'll let you know how it does once I get it and get time to head to the range and shoot.