In 2020, Traditions Performance Firearms teamed up with Federal Premium Ammunition to take modern muzzleloader hunting rifles in a fresh direction. The Nitrofire series of break-action single shots were the first to be powered by Federal's Firesticks. These guns are still considered muzzle loaders in many regions, because the projectile is rammed down the barrel separately from the powder charge. But a primed Firestick simplifies the powder management process significantly. The platform and this innovative ignition system were the co-winners of the American Hunter magazine's Golden Bullseye Muzzleloader of the Year Award in 2021.
In the fall of 2025, Traditions launched the next model in the lineup dubbed the Nitrobolt. As the name implies, this rifle operates using a modified bolt-action configuration. Let’s start with a quick look at how the Firestick system works and then dive into the details of the rifle itself.
The Nitrobolt is the latest Federal Firestick compatible option in the Tradtion’s muzzleloader lineup.
Federal’s Firestick Ignition System
For hunters pursuing game in inclement weather, one of the challenges with muzzle loaders is managing loose powder or propellant pellets in the field. Both are susceptible to moisture and contamination. The Federal Firestick is a fully encapsulated, pre-measured powder charge contained inside of a rimmed polymer case. Roughly the same size as a .410-bore shotgun shell, the case mouth is roll-crimped over a polymer wad to form a water-resistant seal.
Filled with Hodgdon Triple Eight black-powder substitute, Firesticks are available in 80-, 100- and 120-grain charges with color coded hulls. The primer pockets, which have a thin protective barrier to keep out water and debris, are sized for 209 shotgun shell primers. Simply insert a primer into the pocket, and the Firestick is ready to use.
The Nitrobolt is designed to closely mirror the look, feel and operations of centerfire bolt-action rifles.
The three-step loading process for the Nitrobolt is much simpler than a traditional cap-and-ball rifle, and even some of the modern in-line muzzle loaders. Starting with a rifle that has the safety engaged, and after verifying it is completely unloaded, use the ram rod to drive your chosen projectile all the way down the bore until properly seated. Next, press a 209 primer into the primer pocket of the Firestick. Finally, press the primed Firestick into the chamber and then close the bolt. The Nitrobolt is now ready to fire. That's all there is to it.
It should be noted here that the NitroBolt legally qualifies as a muzzleloader because the projectile is loaded separately from the powder charge. However, the platform itself is regulated in the same manner as a 'firearm' for the purposes of purchase and transfer, because it uses pre-charged FireSticks. Therefore, the Nitrobolt has a serial number and requires the same FFL transfer, background check and associated fees as the purchase of a rimfire or centerfire rifle. Traditions conveniently provides additional information about where this muzzleloader can and cannot be used to hunt here.
The barrel is fluted, tapered and has a threaded muzzle.
Nitrobolt Features
Manufactured by Ardesa in Spain, this .50-caliber muzzleloader is assembled around a machined carbon steel alloy receiver. Both the receiver and the 24-inch long fluted and tapered chromoly steel barrel are treated with a Tungsten Cerakote finish. This particular model ships with a 6.5-inch long, one-piece aluminum optics rail which is installed at the factory. The barrel's bore is cut with Tradition's trademark VAPR 8-groove, 1:24-inch twist rifling for improved bullet stability. The muzzle is threaded at 3/4-24 TPI, to accommodate the in-house Pro Series muzzle brake (#A1660: $109.95), with a knurled thread protector provided. A blued steel thimble supports the one-piece aluminum ramrod that ships with a Quick-T polymer handle included.
This model ships with an aluminum optics rail.
The three-lug bolt assembly is outfitted with a patented extractor sized for the Firestick. The handle features a 60-degree throw with 5/16-24 TPI threading used to support a two-groove aluminum knob. Although the bolt handle felt a bit snug when opening or closing the action, the bolt cycled smoothly right out of the box. At the rear of the assembly is a red-ringed cocking indicator which is easy to see. The bolt can be disassembled quickly and easily, using an Allen key, for routine cleaning.
The external controls include a bolt release lever, located on the left side of the receiver, with a three-position toggle safety found on the right. With the safety pressed all the way forward (red dot) the rifle is ready to fire. Moving the safety to the central position (no dot) disengages the trigger but allows the bolt to cycle. Moving the safety all the way to the rear (white dot) locks up the trigger and the bolt assembly. This rifle arrived with a single-stage, steel bow trigger that broke cleanly with 2-pounds 10-ounces of trigger pull.
The bolt sports a patented Firestick extractor.
The black polymer shoulder stock sports a set of features most modern hunters will be pleased to see. The contoured forend and pistol grip are lightly textured for improved purchase. A total of three sling swivel studs are installed, with two up front and one at the rear, making it easy to attach a bipod. The adjustable cheek piece is fitted with a screw that can be turned to shift its height between twelve different levels. Three removable 0.25-inch thick polymer spacers allow the stock's length of pull (LOP) to be adjusted between 13.75 and 14.5 inches. Last but not least, the stock is capped off with a 1-inch thick soft rubber recoil pad. Unloaded, but with the ram rod installed, the Nitrobolt sent for this evaluation weighed in at 8-pounds 2-ounces before installing the optic.
The controls will be utterly familiar to fans of centerfire hunting rifles.
At the Range
Some shooting endeavors call for large, electronically enhanced optics with a variety of settings and features with a price tag to match. But other guns just need a scope, something compact and fairly light weight that can comfortably get the job done without the need to take out a second mortgage to own it. The Burris Fullfield 2-8x35mm rifle scope is just such an optic, making it an ideal fit for this muzzleloader. This version ships with a simple, but effective, non-illuminated Plex reticle (#201501) for a listed price of $204. It was mounted to the Nitrobolt using a pair of lightweight 1-inch, medium-height Leupold Backcountry cross-slot rings (#175117; $99.99). Although the formal testing was conducted at 100-yards, this affordably priced Fullfield offers a bright sight picture and enough magnification to reach out to this platform's effective range of around 200 yards.
The stock features an adjustable comb, removable spacers and a soft rubber recoil pad.
At this point, I'll admit that although I found no reasons to fault the Nitrobolt in the course of its initial examination and bench checks, I was not wholly enamored with the design right off of the bat. At first it seemed a bit superfluous since the break-action Nitrofire was already available. So what is it that sets the Nitrobolt apart?
The answer came with the first pull of the trigger. Yes, the gun was a bit heftier than some rifles. But the layout of the controls, the stock shape and the trigger made this new-to-me platform feel utterly familiar. And once I had it couched in a bench rest for the formal performance testing it was even better. The only notable differences between shooting some of my favorite centerfire bolt-action rifles and the experience the Nitrobolt provides are the added steps required for loading.
This muzzleloader was topped off with a compact, affordably priced Burris Fullfield optic.
One definite advantage with this configuration, when compared to the break-action model, is that the bolt can be left open while ramming the projectile. The break action has to be closed, which may make a range master, or other folks on a shooting range, nervous if they are not familiar with this type of rifle. With the bolt open on this gun, you and everyone else around you knows that the chamber is clear while your hands are working near or above the muzzle.
Once the Nitrobolt was properly sighted in, the more formal performance testing was conducted by firing three 3-shot groups into paper targets posted at a distance of 100-yards. A Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph was used to calculate the average bullet muzzle velocity for a 10-shot string. The projectile used for this portion of the testing was Tradtions’ Smackdown 290-grain MZX (#A2013; $26.95) which features a copper alloy jacket, a pointed polymer tip and a polymer skirt sold in 15-round packs. The 100-grain Federal Firesticks (#PMZFS100T8; $37.99) were primed using Federal's 290MZ primers (#PMZ209; $22.99). When purchased at the suggested retail prices, the components add up to about $3.93 per shot fired.
The Nitrobolt operated flawlessly throughout the course of testing.
For those who are unfamiliar with modern muzzleloaders, the levels of felt recoil can be on the stouter side of the kick scale, as was the case for this evaluation. This bullet and Firestick pairing generated an average muzzle velocity of 1876-fps for 2267-ft.-lbs. of muzzle energy. My tightest group was 2.39-inches with a three-group average of 2.64 inches. I've seen other evaluations that list tighter groups than mine. But these are the results that I got which is a good reminder that, as with cartridge-fired guns, trading out bullet types, weights and powder charges is a good way to find your gun's accuracy sweet spot.
The best individual three-shot group was 2.39-inches.
Parting Shots
For those who want to participate in muzzleloader hunts while keeping the shooting experience simple and familiar, the Nitrobolt is hard to beat. The loading and firing process is just a couple of steps away from running a well trusted bolt gun. And even though some muzzle-fed gun fans want to tinker with their powder charges, others will prefer the simplicity and precision of the Federal Firesticks which just have to be inserted into the chamber to use. The efforts of those folks who are working to keep historical shooting endeavors alive are laudable, but they are not everyone's cup of tea. There is plenty of room at the muzzleloader table for a modernized muzzleloading rifle like this one. For more information, visit traditionsfirearms.com.
Traditions Performance Firearms Nitrobolt Specifications:
- traditionsfirearms.com
- Type: bolt-action single-shot muzzle loader
- Caliber: .50 Caliber
- Receiver: machined carbon steel alloy, Cerakote finish
- Barrel: 24-inch fluted and tapered chromoly steel, Tungsten Cerakote finish, 3/4-24 TPI threaded muzzle, 1:24" VAPR twist rifling
- Trigger: single stage, 2-pounds 10-ounce pull
- Sights: none, optics rail provided
- Capacity: 1-round
- Safety: three-postion toggle
- Stocks: black polymer with adjustable cheek riser
- Overall Length: 42-inches
- Weight: 8 pounds 2 ounces
- Accessories: ram rod, owner's manual
- MSRP: $1,169.95 (black stock); $1,259.95 (Desert Web stock)
