The Bleed, Carnivore and XR offer different kinds of performance at different price points. (Photo: Traditions)
Traditions Firearms is launching an expanded series of projectiles for muzzle-loading firearms just in time for hunting season. The company’s building on the Smackdown lineup with three more bullet types with completely modern features.
All three new models use Tradition’s improved Ridgeback sabot which provides a stronger gas seal for higher muzzle velocities and a more efficient powder burn.
First up is the new Smackdown Bleed projectile. Built for high speeds at close range, the Bleed bullet expands quickly with its massive hollow meplat and compressed powdered metal core. Accurate and effective out to 200 yards, Bleed projectiles weigh in at just 170 grains. Due to their construction, Bleed bullets are completely lead-free.
At the other end of the spectrum is the Smackdown XR. The XR is a mid-weight hollow point projectile optimized for its ballistics for hunters looking to take medium game at longer ranges. Traditions offers XR bullets in 200-, 230- and 250-grain weights that are effective well past 200 yards.
The new Smackdown Carnivore balances flight ballistics and terminal performance. Available in heavy, hard-hitting 250-, 275- and 305-grain weights, Carnivore bullets can take even large North American game. Both the XR and the Carnivore have polycarbonate tips to maximize their ballistics coefficients and to promote expansion.
These new Smackdown projectiles come in 15-packs like the original Smackdown bullets. The Carnivore bullets run $21 per pack, while the Bleeds run $24 and the XR bullets $29. Real-world prices should be a bit lower.
See Also: SilencerCo’s First-Ever Suppressed Muzzleloader!
The new Smackdown projectiles have ridged sabots for a better gas seal. (Photo: Traditions)
If you’re looking to try something new and push your limits this black powder hunting season, you might want to give these new Smackdown loads a try. If Tradition’s original SST bullets are any indicator, the performance of these improved projectiles should deliver.
In many states hunting is a growing activity, like everything else in the world of guns. Because of this a lot of hunters are switching to muzzleloaders in order to take advantage of muzzleloader season which typically starts before rifle/shotgun season.
While it might seem like a step back in technology, muzzleloader advances like these mean that black powder rifles can be just as effective in the field as modern guns are, especially in the right hands.
If you’re a hunter looking to get out ahead of the pack maybe it’s time to look into black powder guns. Traditions is a great place to start whether you’re looking for ammo or guns. Traditions offers a complete black powder experience with rifles and pistols and even cannons. They also offer cool kits for DIYers.
I have been using the 240 grain 50 caliber smackdown sabots and I have to say that I’m a little disappointed. I’ve shot 3 deer and harvested 2 with them. The problem is that they don’t leave a blood trail. The 2 I harvested were heart shots so they weren’t going far, the other was a deer I could have tracked had there been any blood. Not one of the 3 deer I shot left any trail of blood and I couldn’t find the rounds to see if they mushroomed upon impact. Not sure if you have anything to comment about on this topic or if you’ve had this issue before. Thanks for your time.