Best Muzzleloaders for 2023

Our team was back at SHOT Show this year and enjoyed meeting with people from throughout the muzzleloader community. Traditions released several new muzzleloaders, while CVA teased several new products that will be released later this spring. With this in mind, we are excited to present our list of the best muzzleloaders for 2023. Our team strives to provide unbiased and accurate information so that you can make an educated decision when buying a new muzzleloader.

Best Long Range Muzzleloader for 2023

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 (BC's). Based on these considerations, the CVA Paramount Pro V2, CVA Accura LR-X, Traditions Vortek StrikerFire VAPR LDR, and Remington 700 Ultimate Muzzleloader were all contenders for this award. The CVA Paramount Pro V2 was our winner last year but with the return of the Remington 700 UML, the Paramount Pro V2 has some serious competition. All of these muzzleloaders are capable of sub-MOA accuracy beyond 250 yards, and carry enough energy to ethically take game at those ranges. With all things considered, the CVA Paramount Pro V2 muzzleloader was the clear winner here.

The CVA Paramount Pro V2 stands out from the rest because of the ability to produce high velocities, flatter trajectories, and incredible accuracy at well over 300 yards. This muzzleloader is equipped with a Greyboe™ stock, TriggerTech trigger, and VariFlame ignition. This muzzleloader also features a premium stainless steel Bergara barrel coated with Nitride and CeraKote for additional protection. This gun performs like a custom muzzleloader for a fraction of the price. If you’re looking for the ultimate long-range muzzleloader, the Paramount Pro V2 is the gun for you!

Best Mountain Muzzleloader

With more hunters applying for muzzleloader tags in western states, the Mountain Muzzleloader segment has seen increased demand in the past few years. Innovations in muzzleloader technology have alleviated much of the inconvenience experienced with older models and allow hunters to ethically take longer shots that are common with western hunting. Every ounce matters while hunting the western backcountry so mountain hunters are most interested in a lightweight gun that is corrosion resistant and capable of maintaining accuracy in harsh environments. Based on these standards, our picks were the CVA Accura MR-X, CVA Optima V2, Traditions Pursuit XT, Traditions Vortek StrikerFire VAPR, and Traditions NitroFire VAPR. When considering all the features in these muzzleloaders, it came down to a battle between the Accura MR-X and the NitroFire VAPR. While these guns are both extremely capable, we think that the Federal FireStick ignition gives the NitroFire VAPR a slight edge, however, if the FireStick ignition is not legal in a specific state, then the CVA Accura MR-X is a very close second.

With its lightweight design and durable CeraKote finish, the Traditions NitroFire VAPR is the ultimate mountain muzzleloader. Reliability is crucial when selecting a mountain muzzleloader and the Federal FireStick is the most reliable ignition system on the market. The FireStick features the ultra-efficient Hodgdon Triple Eight powder and is completely water-resistant. The NitroFire is also one of the safest muzzleloaders available due to its FireStick ignition system and integrated trigger safety. Because of its lightweight 6.5 pound design, the NitroFire is easily carried in a mountainous environment. These features have convinced us that the Traditions NitroFire VAPR is the best mountain muzzleloader for 2023.

Best Mid-Range Muzzleloader

The fact is that most hunters are not looking to shoot 300 yards, hike 15 miles into the backcountry, or break the bank with the purchase of a new muzzleloader. Because of this, mid-range muzzleloaders are the most popular and versatile guns on our list. Our qualifications for mid-range muzzleloaders are a gun that is capable of shooting 200 yards and can be purchased with a scope for under $500. The guns that we considered for this award are the CVA Optima V2 Nitride and the Traditions Pursuit XT VAPR. With all things considered, we believe that the Traditions Pursuit VAPR is the best option in this category because of the lightweight and ergonomic design. While this gun lacks the Nitride treated barrel, its 5.8 pound design, CeraKote coating, and overall feel distinguish it as the best mid-range muzzleloader.

The Traditions Pursuit VAPR XT is one of the lightest muzzleloaders on the market. The Pursuit features the 1:24” twist VAPR barrel to better stabilize heavier bullets at higher velocities. This allows the Pursuit to shoot further distances with better accuracy. Additionally, the Pursuit VAPR’s XT trigger is one of the lightest weight and crisp triggers in this price range. The trigger safety is one of the features that we like most, as this is something that many muzzleloaders do not offer. This muzzleloader is perfect for the hunter looking for a lightweight and versatile gun that won’t break the bank!

Best Budget Muzzleloader

It’s no secret that gun prices have increased exponentially in the past decade. This is partially due to new technology, but also the rise in raw materials and inflation. New muzzleloaders retailing for $1,000 can be difficult to justify for many hunters, especially those that only use muzzleloader season to fill the freezer at the end of the year. Guns in this category are available with a scope for under $350. Currently, the Traditions Buckstalker XT is the only muzzleloader that meets these criteria. It has become increasingly difficult to offer a muzzleloader with a scope at this price point, however, this is important to our company and is one of the reasons that we designed our own Muzzle-Loaders.com Genesis scope, to help bring better value to our customers.

The Traditions™ Buckstalker XT features the premium XT trigger. The XT Trigger is the same trigger that is found in the Pursuit VAPR muzzleloaders. With the XT Trigger, affordable price point, and great fit and finish, we consider the Traditions Buckstalker XT the best budget muzzleloader for 2023.

Best Northwest Muzzleloader for 2023

Northwest muzzleloaders are a niche market and there are only a few models that are legal in Oregon and Idaho. To be legal in these states, an inline muzzleloader must utilize a percussion cap ignition. Currently, Idaho requires the ignition to be exposed to the elements, however, Oregon no longer requires this. Because of these regulations, manufacturers are required to design a different firing pin and breech plug to comply with these two states. Additionally, both Oregon and Idaho muzzleloader regulations restrict hunters to open sights only. With these requirements in mind, we considered the CVA Optima V2 Northwest, CVA Accura MR-X Northwest, Traditions Pursuit Hardwoods, and Traditions Pursuit Northwest LDR. Because of the features and versatility of the CVA Accura MR-X Northwest, we chose that muzzleloader as the best northwest muzzleloader for 2023.

The CVA Accura MR-X Northwest wins out because of its feature-rich design. The MR-X is lightweight and maneuverable allowing it to be easily carried for long distances. The forestock is able to be removed without tools for a hassle-free breakdown process. The Accura MR-X is also resistant to corrosion thanks to its Nitrided and CeraKoted Bergara barrel. With all of this in mind, we consider the CVA Accura MR-X Northwest to be the best northwest muzzleloader for 2023.

Best Youth Muzzleloader

Unfortunately, the youth muzzleloader selection is quite slim. The Traditions Buckstalker XT Youth is the only muzzleloader currently available that features a length of pull suited for children, however, the build quality and features of this muzzleloader make it the perfect gun for any youth hunter.

The Traditions Buckstalker XT Youth offers the same features as the standard Buckstalker XT but with a stock suited for youth hunters. This gun is lightweight and nimble, but also has a trigger safety, which is a huge asset for youth muzzleloader hunters.

Honorable Mentions

With this list of great muzzleloaders, there are a lot of guns that didn’t top the charts in any category, but we still consider incredible muzzleloaders. Because there are a myriad of options when considering which muzzleloader is right for your budget and application, here are two other guns that we think are worth considering for your next purchase. Of course, our team is always happy to walk you through the process of picking out your new gun! 

CVA Paramount

Though the standard CVA Paramount does not include all of the features found on the Paramount Pro V2, it still performs at an extremely high level. The ballistics produced by the Paramount are almost identical to those of the Paramount Pro V2. The Paramount also features an adjustable cheekpiece for complete cheek weld customization. It would be impossible to create a list of the best muzzleloaders for 2023 without mentioning the CVA Paramount.

Traditions Vortek StrikerFire VAPR LDR

The Traditions Vortek StrikerFire VAPR LDR has been a staple for muzzleloader hunters since its creation and this year, Traditions added a .45 caliber option. The StrikerFire LDR’s 30” 1:24” twist VAPR barrel increases velocity, allowing you to take ethical shots at long range. These features cause the Traditions Vortek StrikerFire VAPR LDR to stand out as a top-tier muzzleloader.

Conclusion

Overall, 2023 is shaping up to be an excellent year for anyone looking to pick up a new muzzleloader regardless of your budget or experience level. If you’d like more information on any of these muzzleloaders, the images below will direct you to the individual product overview pages. Additionally, our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team is always happy to discuss muzzleloaders and accessories. Feel free to reach out to our team at sales@muzzle-loaders.com or 1-855-236-5000. 

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Wether you ever buy anything from us or not, we want to make sure we are using the platform God has provided to us to ensure the good news of salvation from sin and death goes out to all the world. Some day muzzleloading will cease, but life with God never will if you believe in Jesus Christ. If you are questioning where you are going to go when this life comes to an end you are not alone. Today is the day of salvation, if you know the Holy Spirit is prompting you to confess your sins to God and ask for His mercy through the blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross for you, don't wait. Ask Him today to save you from your sins and make you into a new creation and He will do it.

Romans 10:9: "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." - NASB 1995

May God bless you and keep you in His arms. We love you and are here if you have any questions.