First Look: Federal Premium's Lead Muzzleloader Bullet

by
posted on September 30, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
first_look_fed_borlock_lead_f.jpg

Federal Premium re-entered the muzzleloader projectile market in a big way last year, with the introduction of its revolutionary Trophy Copper Muzzleloader Bullet. Featuring the company's innovative B.O.R. (Bullet Obturating Ramp) Lock MZ system, the new submission was crafted to provide top-notch accuracy in a non-sabot design. It served as a game changer for the industry, and Federal hasn't slowed pace: in 2016, the folks in Anoka will be rolling out a lead version. Here are five things you need to know.

1. It's a whole new ballgame.
Just like its Trophy Copper brethren, the Lead Muzzleloader Bullet utilizes the company's B.O.R. Lock MZ system. The "Bullet Obturating Ramp" is the heart and soul of Federal's muzzleloader projectile line, differs from the industry norm in two ways. They're detailed below.

2. It's no sabot.
The projectile has an expanding, one-piece, black polymer cup secured to its base. And it doesn't separate from the bullet in flight. If you don't recover your cup, it was lost upon impact with the target—not before. The force of ignition pushes the cup forward onto raised bands along the bullet shank, expanding its diameter. That engages the rifling and seals the bore, optimizing velocity and accuracy.

3. It's easy to load.
Between its diameter, hardness and five blade-like projections, the cup's fiber-reinforced polymer ring base makes loading your muzzleloader easier than ever. The base self-scours fouling during loading, ensuring that its operator can quickly and easily reload between shots. Federal estimates that required loading force averages about half of most sabot bullets.

4. It's self-cleaning. Sort of.
The same fouling-scouring base that makes the bullet easy to load will also reduce how often you have to clean your muzzleloader between shots, and makes it easier to consistently seat.

5. It's evenly priced.
At $24.95 per 15, Federal has kept its projectiles in step of some of the industry's other top-shelf muzzleloader options.

For more information, go to FederalPremium.com.

Latest

LEDEW H2026 04 Membershunt Angie Buck Barnabas Nov 2025
LEDEW H2026 04 Membershunt Angie Buck Barnabas Nov 2025

Member's Hunt: Patience is Tough When You Shoot a Big Buck

My phone still in my hands, I texted my teenage son, who was hunting along the field not far away. Trying not to move any part of my body but my thumbs, I sent the message, “Got a buck down, but he’s still alive. Help!” Tucker texted back, “What do you want me to do?” I replied: “Come kill the bastard before he kills me!” Intrigued? Read on.

First Look: 2026 Spypoint Trail Camera Lineup

Spypoint's 2026 trail camera line-up features three new models designed to deliver on flexibility and control.

Hardware Review: Christensen Arms Evoke .375 H&H

A .375 H&H Magnum for less than $1,000 is a win for hunters on any continent, especially when it comes packed with features and has the sub-MOA accuracy potential of the American-made Evoke from Christensen Arms.

New for 2026: Avian-X Waterfowl Backpacks

Expanding its assortment to include soft goods in 2026, waterfowl brand Avian-X has announced an all-new lineup of packs specifically designed to keep waterfowl hunters organized, mobile and ready for anything.

Behind the Bullet: The .308 Norma Magnum

Norma’s ballistician Nils Kvale saw the wisdom of having the velocity and horsepower of the .300 H&H Magnum, but in a shorter, more affordable receiver, and used the H&H case to develop his .358 Norma Magnum in 1959 as well as the .308 Norma Magnum one year later. The .308 Norma Magnum closely resembles the wildcat .30-338 cartridge, though the shoulder of the former is located a bit more toward the base than that of the .308 Norma Magnum. Intrigued? Read on about this often unfairly overlooked hunting classic.

New for 2026: Browning Trail Cameras Defender Pro Scout Max HD-DV

The Defender Pro Scout Max HD-DV, from Browning Trail Cameras, promises direct video transmission and streamlined setup without adding complexity.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.