First Look: Alliant Powder Blue MZ Muzzleloading Pellets

by
posted on June 15, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
alliant_blue_mz_f.jpg

Developments come along a little less frequently in the muzzleloader realm than they do in other corners of our industry. It's just the nature of the beast—how much can you really tweak the muzzleloading formula? That said, when new product does hit the market, it tends to be borderline revolutionary—a recent example being Federal Premium's B.O.R. Lock MZ projectile.

Alliant Powder is hoping to score a similar victory with its brand new Blue MZ muzzleloading pellets. Here are five things you need to know.

1. Yes, it's blue.
The new pellets are named Blue MZ, predictably, because they're very clearly powder blue in color. I asked company reps whether the coloration came from the formula, or if it was just a marketing decision, given the colors of Alliant Powder's logo. Mum was the word. Either way, you shouldn't have a hard time spotting Blue MZ on the shelf.

2. It’s designed to deliver game-changing energy.
Blue MZ is meant to keep even heavyweight projectiles flying farther downrange than ever before. Alliant tested it with, among other projectiles, Federal Premium’s B.O.R. Lock MZ bullet. The bullet was clocked at 1,699 feet per second with a two-pellet charge and 2,029 feet per second with three pellets. A 350-grain B.O.R. Lock MZ was clocked at 1,557 and 1,851 feet per second with two- and three-pellet charges.

3. It makes cleaning up easier than ever.
Blue MZ is designed to allow fast and easy service with water-based solvents. Its technology is a step ahead of the corrosive grit and grime of traditional black powder and early substitutes. The pellet’s formula is free of both sulfur and charcoal.

4. It’s designed to operate with 209 shotshell primers.
Alliant has emphasized this point. 209 shotshell primers are the way to go.

5. It’s affordable.
Blue MZ will ship with an MSRP of $19.99 per 48-count pack. Yes, that’s a wee bit pricier than say, a pack of IMR White Hots (currently $24.99 per 72-pack on Cabelas.com), but it’s still very reasonably priced. You might want to consider it within the class of something like Hodgdon’s Triple Se7en Magnum pellets, which are going for $24.99 per 50-pack.

Latest

Ledehigh Country Powder
Ledehigh Country Powder

Hodgdon Launches Accurate High Country Powder for 7mm Backcountry

Hodgdon Powder Company have introduced Accurate High Country, an all-new spherical rifle propellant engineered for the performance demands of today's modern magnum cartridges, including Federal's new 7mm Backcountry.

IWC and Guidefitter Honor 2026 Game Warden of the Year

International Wildlife Crimestoppers (IWC), in partnership with Guidefitter, named Senior Conservation Officer Meghan Roos of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game the recipient of the 2026 IWC Guidefitter Game Warden of the Year Award. Officer Roos received the award during International Wildlife Crimestoppers’ annual conference in July.

#SundayGunday: Chiappa USA Rhino 60DS

On this week's #SudnayGunday, we’re checking out the Chiappa Rhino 60 DS. All it takes is once glance to tell this is not your granddad’s revolver. Chiappa has flipped the script on wheelguns quite literally, aligning the barrel with the bottommost chamber of the cylinder, rather than the top. This low bore axis makes the gun recoil directly back into the hand, rather than pulling the muzzle up and away from your grip. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Shooting Close: How to Play the Short Game

The trend these days is to “go long” but the truth is, if you’re doing it right, most shots taken by hunters are anything but long range. You’re better off practicing your short game.

Lapua's TRX Now Shipping to U.S. Dealers

Lapua has begun shipping its True-Range Expanding (TRX) ammunition to authorized dealers throughout the United States. Lapua TRX ammunition is built for hunters seeking long-range precision and terminal performance. Featuring a high-BC, polymer-tipped solid-copper bullet, TRX offers accuracy and low wind-drift, with nearly 10-percent weight retention.

Ammunition Depot Offers a Way to Help the NRA

Ammunition Depot, one of the nation’s leading online retailers and suppliers of ammunition, firearms, magazines, accessories and tactical gear, has formed a partnership with the NRA to raise funds to support critical Second Amendment litigation across the country.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.