Best Long Range Muzzleloaders for 2023

Long range muzzleloading might seem like a foreign concept to those that are only familiar with the traditional side of muzzleloading, however, with advancements in black powder technology, muzzleloaders are now capable of sub-MOA accuracy at ranges that were previously impossible. When considering long-range muzzleloaders, we focus purely on what gun is going to perform best at ranges beyond 250 yards. While centerfire rifles are capable of much more than this, we consider 250 yards long range for muzzleloaders using black powder and bullets with lower ballistic coefficients. Below are our top 5 contenders for this award. They are listed in alphabetical order with the winner announced at the end.

CVA Paramount Pro V2

The CVA Paramount Pro V2 is the most feature-rich muzzleloader in the CVA Paramount family. The Paramount Pro V2 features a fully adjustable Trigger Tech trigger and a 26” Nitride treated Bergara barrel with a Flat Dark Earth CeraKote finish. The Paramount Pro V2 is available in .45, and .50 caliber which means that this muzzleloader offers a legal option for hunting during designated muzzleloader seasons in 48 states. This muzzleloader also features a Greyboe stock, which is lighter than the original Paramount Stock and makes it perfect for hunting applications. Instead of using a 209 primer, the Paramount Pro V2 uses a VariFlame ignition system, allowing it to fire a large rifle primer and providing a more consistent powder ignition. The Paramount Pro V2 is considered to be a super magnum muzzleloader, which means that it will accommodate larger powder charges than a standard magnum muzzleloader. This increase in powder capacity and the ability to use the PowerBelt ELR bullets allow the CVA Paramount Pro V2 to hold an MOA group and carry lethal velocity to 300+ yards. This feature packed muzzleloader has proven itself to be one of the most accurate long range muzzleloaders available and it has earned its spot on our list.

CVA Paramount

The CVA Paramount is the most recent addition to the CVA Paramount line. The Paramount features the CVA Stock, which has an adjustable cheekpiece, ensuring a proper cheek weld with most scope ring variations. The Paramount features a 26” Nitride treated Bergara barrel with a 1:22 twist rate, which allows this muzzleloader to pair very nicely with the PowerBelt ELR bullet. Similarly to the Paramount Pro, the Paramount is a super magnum that uses the VariFlame ignition, giving this muzzleloader the ability to hold an MOA group at 300+ yards. To top it all off, the Paramount is available in .40 or .45 caliber, which provides you with yet another level of customization. The feature-rich design of the CVA Paramount is available for an MSRP of $1,240. There are few muzzleloaders that can keep up with the CVA Paramount and it is worthy of being named one of the best long range muzzleloaders. 

CVA Accura LR-X

The CVA Accura LR-X was introduced in 2021 as a redesigned version of the already popular CVA Accura V2 LR. It has been a year since CVA unveiled this muzzleloader and time has proven it to be one of the top long range muzzleloaders available. The CVA Accura LR-X boasts a 30” Nitride treated Bergara barrel with a CeraKote finish. It is available in either .45 or .50 caliber and is designed to pair with the PowerBelt ELR bullet for maximum long range performance. One of the most important features that the LR-X offers is a threaded muzzle. The threaded muzzle allows you to easily install a muzzle brake making this an excellent option for recoil sensitive shooters. This muzzleloader also features an adjustable trigger, as well as an adjustable cheek piece to optimize comfort and sight picture. The CVA Accura LR-X will easily hold an MOA group at ranges of up to 300 yards and for an MSRP of only $675, it is one of the more affordable options on our list. We are confident that the CVA Accura LR-X is up for the rigorous task of long range hunting and shooting and it has earned its place on our list. 

Remington 700 UML

When you consider all of the great long range muzzleloaders, the Remington 700 Ultimate Muzzleloader quickly comes to mind. In many ways, Remington popularized super magnum muzzleloaders by being one of the first manufacturers to produce a muzzleloader capable of accuracy beyond 300 yards at a price that most hunters could afford. The Remington 700 UML is built on the iconic Remington 700 platform and features a large rifle primer ignition system for added efficiency. The Remington 700 is available for only $949 and is available with a lightweight Bell & Carlson stock for a small increase in price. The Remington 700 UML has stood the test of time and proven itself to be an excellent option for anyone looking to get into long range muzzleloading. 

Traditions Vortek StrikerFire VAPR LDR

The Traditions Vortek StrikerFire VAPR LDR has been among the best long range muzzleloaders for a long time and new for 2023, Traditions has added a .45 caliber option to this line giving it yet another edge at distance. The Vortek StrikerFire VAPR LDR features a 30” Chromoly steel barrel with a durable CeraKote finish, which makes it extremely resistant to rust and corrosion. This muzzleloader is designed to hold an MOA group and carry lethal velocity at ranges of up to 300 yards. You will not find a muzzleloader with more safety features than the Traditions Vortek StrikerFire LDR. The hammerless StrikerFire system allows you to safely decock the muzzleloader with the push of a button and it offers a trigger safety which is a feature that is not available through any other manufacturer. In addition to all of these features, the Traditions Vortek StrikerFire VAPR LDR weighs in at only 6.25 pounds, making it the lightest option on our list. All of these features are available for the low MSRP of $428 and are offered in different camo patterns and CeraKote colors for a small price increase. When looking at all of the features that this muzzleloader brings to the table, it is impossible to deny it a spot on our list of the best long range muzzleloaders.

Conclusion

All of these rifles have proven that they are worthy of being considered the best long range muzzleloaders, but when it comes down to it, the CVA Paramount Pro V2 is the king. 

The CVA Paramount Pro V2 offers almost everything that you could ask for in a long range muzzleloader. While it doesn’t include all of the safety features found with the Traditions Vortek StrikerFire VAPR LDR, it does offer a very reliable thumb safety, and the threaded muzzle allows for the use of a muzzle brake to reduce recoil. Being able to accommodate larger powder charges allows the CVA Paramount Pro V2 to carry lethal velocity to ranges of up to 500 yards, which is further than any other muzzleloader on our list, with the exception of the CVA Paramount. The CVA Paramount Pro V2 features the most diverse caliber options of any muzzleloader on our list being offered in .45, and, .50 caliber. When it comes to weather resistance, you can’t beat the Nitride treated Bergara barrel and CeraKote finish that is offered by the CVA Paramount Pro V2. To top it all off, the fully adjustable Trigger Tech trigger provides you with a level of quality and customization that is not found in the other models. The CVA Paramount Pro V2 has proven itself to be the most feature rich and accurate muzzleloader on our list and that is why it takes home the title of Best Long Range Muzzleloader.