Federal FireStick Propellant Capsule and Muzzleloading System

The Federal Premium FireStick is part of a whole new muzzleloader system that uses a primer inserted into a premeasured encapsulated powder charge. This new system was completed by Federal in conjunction with Traditions Firearms to rejuvenate muzzleloader hunting.

Upon product launch, Traditions Firearms has an exclusive arrangement utilizing the FireStick system. At the time of print, one NitroFire .50 caliber rifle is available from Traditions. In addition, the company plans on launching several different rifles at various feature levels and price points to accommodate a wide range of customer preferences.

The Federal FireStick propellant capsule is pre-loaded with Hodgdon’s new Triple 8 granular powder (www.hodgdon.com) and is available in 100-grains or 120-grains.  Each FireStick is designed for a one-time use and cannot be reloaded. They are sold in 10-count packs with an MSRP of $26.95 per pack.

The Firestick System

A muzzleloader is any firearm into which the projectile is loaded from the muzzle of the gun. Inline muzzleloader rifles work by pouring granular or pelletized black powder substitute into the muzzle and pushing down a sabot or bullet to seat it on top of the propellant, then a 209 primer is installed in the breech of the rifle via a breech plug to fully charge the firearm. The NitroFire muzzleloader rifle operates using the FireStick System and makes the inline muzzleloading dramatically easier.

First, the bullet is loaded separately and independently from the muzzle to seat on top of a bullet shelf inside the barrel of the rifle. Federal recommends their Trophy Copper or Lead Tipped muzzleloader bullets, but the Firestick is compatible with any brand of muzzleloader bullets.

When the break-open action of the rifle is opened, the FireStick is installed into the open breech to seat just behind the bullet shelf and seated bullet. A 209 Muzzleloader primer (sold separately) is then inserted into the FireStick propellant capsule to charge the powder. Once the break-open action is closed, the hammer is pulled back and the safety is turned off, it's now ready to fire.

Requiring a separate primer allows the shooter to choose their preferred primer, and keeps with the traditional components of muzzleloading; bullet, powder, primer. Federal recommends their 209 Muzzleloading Primers (Part No. PMZ209), though any brand of muzzleloader-specific or 209 type primers could work with the FireStick system.

Once inserted, the primer doesn’t need to be uninstalled. The primer can remain inserted into the FireStick. Keeping the primer inserted in the capsule will continue to keep it protected from the elements or being lost.

Firestick System Advantages:

Protection: The charge is completely encapsulated and impervious to moisture, allowing for consistent, accurate shots, every time. It can be also stored for later use.

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Safety: Factory-controlled, precision-measured, pre-filled powder charges eliminate the risk of accidentally over-charging a rifle to dangerous level and delivers a safer shooting experience. FireSticks can also be quickly and easily uninstalled whenever needed, such as crossing a fence, climbing into a treestand, entering a blind, or riding in a vehicle.

Convenience: The quick operation of the system allows for speed and convenience with less wasted time at the shooting range. There is no hassle of pouring granular powder or putting in pellets to charge the rifle.

Cleaning: Hodgdon Triple 8 powder is clean burning and the firearm is less dirty after every shot compared to older, less advanced powders. The lack of a breech plug in the system makes access to the breech much easier to brush clean than standard 209 inline actions. There is no breech plug to remove, pick clean, soak and lube which removes entire steps in the overall cleaning process.

Consistency: Because the charge is expertly and reliably manufactured in a factory and the bullet seats at the same spot every time, you get consistent shots. Consistency leads to accuracy. Accuracy leads to better success and one-shot harvests.

The first ship date for FireStick is targeted for May of 2020 from Federal’s Anoka, Minnesota factory. At the time of print, one NitroFire .50 caliber rifle is available from Traditions (www.traditionsfirearms.com). In addition, the company plans on launching several different rifles at various feature levels and price points to accommodate a wide range of customer preferences.

For more information, visit federalpremium.com.