First Look: Federal Premium's Lead Muzzleloader Bullet

by
posted on September 30, 2015
** 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. **
first_look_fed_borlock_lead_f.jpg

Federal Premium re-entered the muzzleloader projectile market in a big way last year, with the introduction of its revolutionary Trophy Copper Muzzleloader Bullet. Featuring the company's innovative B.O.R. (Bullet Obturating Ramp) Lock MZ system, the new submission was crafted to provide top-notch accuracy in a non-sabot design. It served as a game changer for the industry, and Federal hasn't slowed pace: in 2016, the folks in Anoka will be rolling out a lead version. Here are five things you need to know.

1. It's a whole new ballgame.
Just like its Trophy Copper brethren, the Lead Muzzleloader Bullet utilizes the company's B.O.R. Lock MZ system. The "Bullet Obturating Ramp" is the heart and soul of Federal's muzzleloader projectile line, differs from the industry norm in two ways. They're detailed below.

2. It's no sabot.
The projectile has an expanding, one-piece, black polymer cup secured to its base. And it doesn't separate from the bullet in flight. If you don't recover your cup, it was lost upon impact with the target—not before. The force of ignition pushes the cup forward onto raised bands along the bullet shank, expanding its diameter. That engages the rifling and seals the bore, optimizing velocity and accuracy.

3. It's easy to load.
Between its diameter, hardness and five blade-like projections, the cup's fiber-reinforced polymer ring base makes loading your muzzleloader easier than ever. The base self-scours fouling during loading, ensuring that its operator can quickly and easily reload between shots. Federal estimates that required loading force averages about half of most sabot bullets.

4. It's self-cleaning. Sort of.
The same fouling-scouring base that makes the bullet easy to load will also reduce how often you have to clean your muzzleloader between shots, and makes it easier to consistently seat.

5. It's evenly priced.
At $24.95 per 15, Federal has kept its projectiles in step of some of the industry's other top-shelf muzzleloader options.

For more information, go to FederalPremium.com.

Latest

Upland (5)
Upland (5)

5 Keys To Make This Your Best Upland Season Ever

Tired of walking long distances and coming home empty-handed? Here are five keys to help boost your bag of birds this year.

C&H Precision and MERUS Adventure Launch Guided Hunt Giveaway

Free entry runs through Nov. 13, 2026, and one winner and a guest will be heading to the Texas Panhandle for a fully guided hunt at MERUS Adventure—a private hunting and off-road park near Claude, Texas, outside Amarillo. The trip includes a fully guided hunt, range time with top-tier optics and gear, on-site lodging for the length of the stay and off-road driving across the property.

Things I’ve Learned About Public-Land Elk

Every generation has a story starting with, “I remember the good old days.” Elk hunters have a similar dialogue and although elk numbers are at some of their highest in modern history, public-land hunting still represents a sea of challenges. With decades of elk hunting in my rearview and an ongoing education, a few lessons I’ve learned from elk hunting may aid you in your public-land elk pursuits.

Colorado Ballot Battle Heats Up

The required number of valid signatures to put a “Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment” on Colorado’s Nov. 3 ballot was reached on Sept. 4. If approved by voters—according to Ballotpedia’s summary—it would add the “…right to hunt, fish, and take fish and wildlife through traditional methods” to the state constitution.

#SundayGunday: CZ 600+ ST3 American

On this week's #SundayGunday, we are taking a look at the new-for-2026 design of the CZ 600+ ST3 American, the ST3 being the long- and magnum-action model. Built by the legendary Czech company for the American market, this is a rifle adapted perfectly to hunting on this continent.

How Can Hunters Travel Out of State With Suppressed Firearms?

Getting federal and state agencies out of the way of the citizens who wish to use suppressors to make their guns more polite to their ears and to their neighbors’ is an ongoing, complex and multifaceted effort. There is, however, progress being made thanks to the Trump administration.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.