Muzzle-Loaders.com reported last week in a short video on Instagram that the Traditions Nitro Fire is now legal to use in the Illinois Muzzleloader Hunting season. This is welcome news to Traditions, Federal, and Hodgdon, all parties play a key role in the manufacture of the Nitro Fire and it’s proprietory “Fire Stick” primer/powder catridge.

As of writing, the Traditions Nitro Fire is the only muzzleloader using the Federal Premium “Fire Stick” technology. In interviews over the last year, we’ve heard representatives discuss this technology and the agreement behind it. I expect we will see the Fire Stick technology licensed to other manufacturers over the years, but for now, Traditions is leading the charge with the Nitro Fire Rifle.

The “Fire Stick” is a waterproof plastic cartridge full of Hodgdon’s “Triple 8” powder, a powder Hodgdon hasn’t shared many details about, but many are comparing it to Blackhorn 209. Hunters must prime the cartridge before the charge can fire. This cartridge loads from a break action breech. While controversial to many enthusiasts, the bullet or projectile is still loaded from the muzzle.

Below is a copy of the map on the Nitro Fire Website taken on November 2, 2021. You can see Illinois is now colored green, lining up with this news. With the number of states allowing the Nitro Fire in muzzleloading season now at 20, Traditions continues to work with state wildlife agencies to bring the Nitro Fire to more states. It should be noted that even if the Nitro Fire isn’t legal during your muzzleloader season, it may be legal for the general rifle season, as noted in yellow below.

We’re seeing this demand grow more and more as the muzzleloading community grows. Innovations like Blackhorn 209 provided shooters with a cleaner burning blackpowder substitute, and it looks like the Hodgdon Triple 8 inside the Federal Firesticks is looking to be the next clean burning muzzleloading powder.

For more information visit Traditionsfirearms.com.

Ilovemuzzleloading.com is your go to source for muzzleloading news and information.