Description
Picture this: you’re in the stand, the wind is right, and that buck you’ve been tracking all season steps into the clearing. You’ve got one shot. That’s when you need a projectile you can trust to fly straight and hit hard. I’ve been in that exact spot more times than I can count, and after putting dozens of rounds through my CVA Accura and Traditions Vortek, I can tell you what makes the difference. It’s not just the rifle—it’s what you feed it.
ANSWER CAPSULE: The Barnes 45172 Muzzleloader 50 Black Powder Spit-Fire TMZ 250gr, 15Pk is a premium, saboted muzzleloader bullet system. It combines a 250-grain, .45-caliber copper-alloy Expanding MZ bullet with a low-drag polymer sabot, designed for modern in-line muzzleloaders using 209 primers or musket caps. This 15-pack offers consistent, high-performance ammunition for hunters seeking deep penetration and reliable expansion.
Let’s talk about why the Barnes 45172 Muzzleloader 50 Black Powder Spit-Fire TMZ 250gr, 15Pk has earned a permanent spot in my kit. The heart of the system is that 250-grain, all-copper Expanding MZ bullet. Unlike traditional lead, this thing is tough. It’s designed to punch through heavy bone and muscle while still opening up into a textbook mushroom shape for a massive wound channel. I’ve recovered a few from the backstop, and the expansion is consistently impressive—no fragmentation, just a solid, lethal petal formation.
The secret sauce is the Spit-Fire saboted design. That polymer sabot is what seals the bore and engages the rifling, but it’s also designed to strip away cleanly the instant it leaves the muzzle. This means less drag and a flatter trajectory. You get the ballistic benefits of a sleek .45-caliber bullet from your .50-caliber barrel. Loading is a dream—it’s drop-in ready and seats with steady, consistent pressure, which is crucial for repeatable accuracy shot after shot.
Here’s the thing—consistency wins in muzzleloading. Each bullet in this 15-pack is manufactured to the same exacting standards. That means your point of impact isn’t a guessing game. When I’m sighting in or taking a long shot, I need to know the next bullet will perform identically to the last. At $18.78 for the pack, you’re investing in that reliability. It’s a price that reflects the quality of the materials and the precision engineering behind each unit.
| Product Name | Barnes Spit-Fire TMZ Muzzleloader Bullets |
| Manufacturer Part # | 45172 |
| Caliber | .50 Caliber (uses .45 Cal bullet) |
| Bullet Weight | 250 Grains |
| Bullet Type | Copper-Alloy Expanding MZ |
| Quantity | 15 Pack |
| Ignition System | 209 Primer or Musket Cap (In-Line) |
Pros & Cons
On the plus side, you get fantastic terminal performance with deep penetration and controlled expansion. The accuracy potential with the saboted design is top-tier for the muzzleloading world. The all-copper construction is also a big win for hunters in areas with lead restrictions. On the downside, these are a premium product, so the cost per shot is higher than basic lead conicals or cheap sabots. They also perform best with a stout charge of modern black powder substitutes like Triple Seven or Blackhorn 209 to realize their full ballistic potential.
Who is this for?
This pack is for the serious muzzleloader hunter who views their front-stuffer as a precision tool, not a novelty. It’s for the hunter chasing elk, moose, or big Midwestern whitetails where penetration is non-negotiable. If you shoot a modern, high-quality in-line muzzleloader from brands like CVA, Thompson/Center, or Knight—and you want to squeeze every bit of accuracy and knockdown power out of it—this is your bullet. It’s also the go-to for hunters in states that require non-lead projectiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What powder charge is recommended for these?
A: Always consult your rifle’s manual first. That said, these bullets are engineered to perform optimally with charges in the 90-120 grain volume range (by equivalent) of powders like Blackhorn 209, Triple Seven, or Pyrodex. Start at the lower end for sighting in and work up to find your rifle’s most accurate load.
Q: Are these compatible with my sidelock percussion rifle?
A: I wouldn’t recommend it. The Spit-Fire TMZ is specifically designed for modern, high-pressure in-line muzzleloaders that use 209 shotgun primers or musket caps. They require the consistent, hotter ignition these systems provide to achieve designed performance. Stick with traditional projectiles for sidelocks.
Q: Do I need a special breech plug or tools to load these?
A: Nope, no gunsmithing required. They load just like any other saboted bullet. You’ll need your standard ramrod, and ensure your barrel is properly cleaned and free of obstructions. The polymer sabot does the rest, engaging the rifling for a proper spin.
Look, when the season comes down to a single opportunity, your gear shouldn’t be the variable you worry about. The Barnes TMZ system removes that doubt. If you’re ready to see what your muzzleloader is truly capable of, this 15-pack is the place to start. You can find the Barnes 45172 Spit-Fire TMZ pack available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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