Traditions Pursuit XT Pro Load Development: Best Powder Charges & Accuracy Results

We recently had the opportunity to take the Traditions Pursuit XT Pro to the range for a full load development session. This is a muzzleloader we've been looking forward to testing, and we were excited to see how it performed with a variety of powder charges and loads.

Before diving into the load development data and results, if you'd like to learn more about the features and design of the Traditions Pursuit XT Pro, be sure to check out our full written overview here or watch our video overview here.

The goal for this range day was to test and develop a load for the Traditions Pursuit XT Pro using both loose black powder substitute and pellets. 

For this load development, we used:

• Powder: Triple Seven FFG Loose Black Powder Substitute and IMR White Hot Pellets

• Bullet: Hornady Bore Driver FTX .50 Caliber Bullet

• Primer: Cheddite Clerinox 209 Magnum Shotshell Primers

• Muzzleloader: Traditions Pursuit XT Pro .50 Caliber

• Optic: Genesis Muzzle-Loaders™ Scope
  
  

Throughout the load development, we recorded both velocity data, which was measured from a chronograph, and accuracy results, which we will provide for all groups below.

To begin the test, we used Triple Seven FFG loose powder and fired three-shot groups at 100 yards. We started with a 100-grain charge, then increased to 120 grains, and finally tested a 150-grain charge. Below are the velocity and accuracy results from each load.

Triple Seven Loose Powder

100 Grains

The 100-grain charge produced a respectable 2 inch group, which gave us a good baseline of what to expect out of this test. Recoil was noticeably lighter since we were using a lighter powder charge, and when paired with the Muzzle-Loaders™ Muzzle Brake, the rifle was very comfortable to shoot. There was a drop in velocity on the third shot, which affected the group's average velocity, but these results were encouraging, so we continued testing to see whether other groups could produce even better results.

Velocities:

Group Size: 2 Inches

120 Grains

Although the 120-grain group measured slightly larger than the 100-grain group at 2.25 inches, the shooter believed one shot was pulled low, which negatively affected the overall group size. Even with that flyer, the first two shots grouped within less than half an inch of each other, showing excellent potential. The 120-grain load also produced a strong average velocity of 1,930 FPS.

Velocities:

Group Size: 2.25 Inches

150 Grains

When we increased the charge to 150 grains, velocity improved on the first two shots, but the third shot showed a noticeable drop in velocity. Accuracy also suffered significantly at this charge, with the three-shot group opening up to four inches.

Velocities:

Group Size: 4” Inches

Loose Powder Group Breakdown

As you can see from the data above, some loads performed better than others. Based on our testing, the 120-grain powder charge is where we'd recommend starting your load development.

This charge delivered great accuracy, with the first two shots impacting within 1/2 inch of each other, while still producing lethal velocities for hunting.

From here, you could further refine the load by conducting a small ladder test using 115, 120, and 125 grains to determine what your muzzleloader prefers. Based on our results, though, the 120-grain charge provides a solid foundation, and we believe the group had the potential to be a sub 1 inch group had it not been for the pulled third shot.

IMR White Hot Pellets

100 Grain Pellets (2 Pellets)

The 100 grain pellet load produced very consistent velocities throughout the test and also produced good accuracy with a 1.75 inch group. The low standard deviation and solid accuracy made this the best pellet load we tested.

Velocities:

Group Size: 1.75 Inches

150 Grain Pellets (3 Pellets)

The 150-grain pellet charge produced higher velocities, but our accuracy suffered. The group opened up to 3 inches, making it noticeably less consistent than the 100-grain pellet load.

Velocities:

Group Size: 3 Inches

Pelletized Powder Group Breakdown

Although the 150-grain load didn't perform particularly well, the 100-grain load produced excellent results. 

For hunters in states where pelletized powder is legal, this combination offers an easy and convenient way to enjoy muzzleloader hunting without sacrificing accuracy. The 100-grain IMR White Hot Pellet load, paired with the Hornady Bore Driver FTX bullet and the Traditions Pursuit XT Pro, delivered solid accuracy during our testing and would make a great hunting load, while still providing plenty of knock-down power with an average velocity of 1,709 FPS.

Wrap Up

Overall, the Traditions Pursuit XT Pro performed exceptionally well throughout our range testing. It proved to be reliable, maintained its structural integrity during an extended day of shooting, and delivered excellent accuracy with multiple load combinations.

By the end of our testing, we were able to identify several loads that produced solid results with both loose powder and pelletized powder. We hope the information and data we've shared provide a helpful starting point for developing a load for your own Traditions Pursuit XT Pro and help you get the most out of your muzzleloader.