First Look: Federal Premium's Lead Muzzleloader Bullet

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.