In this episode of the Muzzle-Loaders.com Podcast, Hunter is joined by Tony Smotherman of CVA to discuss the launch of the new CVA Endura Series. The Endura is CVA’s most advanced muzzleloader ever, featuring a Bergara precision barrel, Variflame ignition with a magnetic bolt face, and compatibility with Blackhorn 209 and select smokeless powders. With Pro and LRH models available, the Endura sets a new standard for long-range muzzleloading performance.

In this episode, Hunter sits down with Gregg Ritz, President & CEO of Thompson/Center (T/C), to dive into the past, present, and future of the iconic brand. Together, they explore the rich history of T/C, current muzzleloader industry trends like the Federal Firestick, and the exciting new projects T/C is working on as they return to the outdoor industry.Gregg also shares insights on the importance of preserving the legacy and heritage of muzzleloading. A tradition that continues to inspire hunters and shooters across generations.Whether you’re a longtime T/C fan or new to the world of muzzleloading, this conversation offers a unique perspective on the sport’s past and future.

In this episode, Caleb and Hunter talk all things black powder and primers for muzzleloaders. Whether you’re new to muzzleloading or looking to fine-tune your setup, they break down what to consider when choosing powder and primers for consistent performance in the field or at the range. Tune in for a practical conversation packed with helpful insights and tips for every black powder shooter.

In this episode, Caleb and Hunter break down the top muzzleloader bullets from trusted brands like Thor, Hornady, Powerbelt, Barnes, Federal and more. This episode covers bullet reliability, performance, and what works best for your hunting style.Learn the pros and cons of saboted bullets, full bore conicals, round balls, and what to consider before buying.

In this video, Caleb and Hunter take a closer look at some of the top scope and sight options from Vortex, Leupold, Burris, Williams, and Muzzle-Loaders.comIf you're considering an upgrade this season, this overview will give you a solid starting point.

In this episode, Caleb and Hunter dive into the top muzzleloaders for big game hunting—breaking down the best rifles from trusted brands like CVA, Traditions, Thompson/Center, Investarm, and Pedersoli.Whether you're heading out for elk, deer, or bear, this guide will help you choose the right muzzleloader for your hunt. We compare each rifle’s reliability, ease of use, and performance in the field to give you a clear understanding of what works best for different hunting styles.You'll learn the strengths and weaknesses of each brand and model, the best uses for modern inline versus traditional sidelock muzzleloaders, and key tips to consider before making your next purchase.

Welcome to the Muzzle-Loaders Podcast!

In today’s episode, Caleb and Hunter kick things off with a short PSA on recent tariff changes and how they are affecting the muzzleloading industry. From there, they dive into the question of using roundball projectiles in modern inline muzzleloaders. Finally, they share their thoughts on the newly released CVA Optima, breaking down what’s new and improved.

Welcome to the Muzzle-Loaders Podcast! In today's episode, Caleb and Hunter discuss black powder hunting regulations in the western United States.

We touch on: Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, California, Washington, Montana, and even ring you awareness of some Arizona grumblings.

TIMESTAMPS

00:44 {1} Intro

01:41 {2} Colorado

03:16 {3} Colorado Regulations Simply/ Pending Changes

03:54 {4} Colorado Breakdown: Sights

08:05 {5} Colorado Breakdown: Caliber Restrictions

09:39 {6} Colorado Breakdown: Bullets

11:30 {7} Colorado Breakdown: Powder

13:54 {8} Idaho Breakdown: Bullets

15:33 {9} Idaho Breakdown: Ignition type, Powder, Sights

15:53 {10} Modern Inlines and the Northwest/Western Ignition

16:30 {11} Is Colorado a Northwest State?

18:07 {12} Oregon Breakdown: Bullets

19:12 {13} Oregon Breakdown: Ignitions/ Sights

20:12 {14} California Overview

21:22 {15} Washington Breakdown: Ignition, Primers, and Bullets

23:01 {16} Washington Breakdown: Optics

24:32 {17} Washington Breakdown: Powder

25:58 {18} Muzzleloading Culture is Swinging Traditional

27:38 {19} Montana's Heritage Season Discussion/ Matchlock Legend

31:33 {20} Montana Heritage Season Regulations33:20 {21} Checking Your State's Regulations/ Seasonal Tips

35:24 {22} Arizona Rumblings

37:29 {23} New Directions for Muzzle-Loaders.Com

Welcome to the Muzzle-Loaders Podcast! In this episode, Hunter, our friendly Director of Operations and Caleb, one of our favorite know-it-mosts discuss what's new in the Muzzle-Loader world. Then, we answer a number of your questions from here on YouTube! If you've asked a question on our channel recently, tune in to see if your question is featured in this episode!TIMESTAMPS00:00 {1} Intro01:13 {2} Thompson Center03:29 {3} Brixia05:33 {4} Muzzle-Loaders News: Life is Ministry06:15 {5} Muzzle-Loaders News: Affiliate Program07:15 {6} Q1: How do we legalize 209 ignition in OR?09:34 {7} Q2: Do we make smokeless Firesticks?11:57 {8} Q3: Load recommendations for various twist rates?16:46 {9} Q4: Why don't we use wads or grease our pistol loads?21:18 {10} Q5: Best rifle kit for a newbie?23:29 {11} Q6: How are we getting the Nitrofire to group?28:39 {12} Q7: As a new shooter, how does one know the bullet is properly set?32:04 {13} Q8: I bought a new breech plug, now my rifle doesn't work?35:11 {14} Final thoughts

Welcome to the Muzzle-Loaders podcast! This year at ShotShow 2025 we had the honor of meeting Barry Brakebill himself, a CVA-sponsored shooter and multi-time national muzzleloader champion. Barry was kind enough to sit down with us to share wisdom gleaned from decades of careful analysis. Whether you're interested in precision load development or curious to see what a titan in the muzzleloading world has to say, this is an episode you won't want to miss!