Remington Model 700 Ultimate Muzzleloader | 26″ Barrel

Description

I was skeptical the first time I heard about a muzzleloader built on the legendary Remington Model 700 action. Could it really bridge the gap between modern precision and traditional black powder hunting? After putting a dozen rounds through one on a crisp Missouri morning, I had my answer. This isn’t your grandpa’s front-stuffer. The Remington Model 700 Ultimate Muzzleloader, 26″ Barrel, Bell and Carlson M40 Black Stock, Optic Ready is a purpose-built, modern hunting rifle that just happens to use loose powder and a projectile. It delivers the familiar, bank-vault solidity of the 700 platform into the muzzleloader season, giving you a serious tactical advantage when the weather turns cold and the big bucks are moving.

Here’s the thing—this rifle answers a very specific need for the serious hunter. It’s for the shooter who already trusts a bolt-action for everything else and wants that same confidence during primitive weapons season. The heart of the system is the familiar, ultra-strong Model 700 action, now configured to handle 209 shotgun primers for ignition. That means you get a crisp, reliable trigger pull every single time, a world away from the mushy, inconsistent locks on many traditional muzzleloaders. The 26-inch, fully rifled barrel is button-rifled and features a 1:28″ twist rate, which is ideal for stabilizing modern saboted bullets. I’ve found it shoots Barnes Expander MZ and Hornady SST-ML bullets with impressive, consistent accuracy. The rifle weighs in at a very manageable 7.5 pounds, making it easy to carry on long stalks through the Ozark hills.

The Bell and Carlson M40-style stock is a major upgrade that defines the rifle’s character. It’s not just for looks—this composite stock provides a rigid, stable platform that free-floats the barrel, which is critical for consistent shot placement. The textured finish gives a solid grip in wet or cold conditions, and the ergonomics are spot-on for a prone or supported shooting position. The fact that it’s optic ready out of the box is a huge plus. You can mount your favorite scope directly to the drilled and tapped receiver using standard Remington 700 bases. I topped mine with a Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm, and it was a drop-in ready setup—no gunsmithing required, just torque the screws to spec and you’re zeroing targets.

Caliber	.50 Caliber Muzzleloader
Barrel	26″, Button-Rifled, 1:28″ Twist
Overall Length	Approx. 46.5″
Weight	7.5 lbs
Stock	Bell and Carlson M40 Style, Black Composite
Ignition	209 Shotgun Primer

Pros: You get the legendary, proven reliability of the Remington 700 action. The Bell and Carlson stock offers fantastic ergonomics and stability. The 209 primer system is vastly more reliable in damp conditions than traditional percussion caps. The optic-ready design means immediate customization with your preferred scope.

Cons: At $939.99, it’s an investment compared to entry-level muzzleloaders. The modern design might not appeal to traditionalists who enjoy the classic Hawken rifle experience. It’s a dedicated tool, so if you only hunt during the regular rifle season, it’s a niche purchase.

So who is this rifle really for? It’s for the disciplined hunter who wants to extend their season without compromising on shot quality. It’s perfect for the marksman who already owns a scoped Model 700 in .308 or .30-06 and wants identical muscle memory and handling for the muzzleloader season. If you hunt in Missouri, Illinois, or other states with a dedicated primitive weapons season, this rifle turns that period from a limitation into a strategic opportunity. It ships to Missouri and compliant US states, ready to give you more time in the woods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kind of accuracy can I expect with this muzzleloader?

A: With the right load development—which is part of the fun—you can achieve impressive groups. From a solid rest, I’ve consistently seen 1.5 to 2-inch groups at 100 yards using 100 grains of Blackhorn 209 powder and a 250-grain saboted bullet. That’s more than enough for ethical shots at typical muzzleloader ranges.

Q: Is it difficult to clean compared to a traditional muzzleloader?

A: It’s different, but not difficult. The 209 breech plug removes easily with a supplied wrench, allowing you to clean the barrel from the breech. This is actually more straightforward than cleaning many inline muzzleloaders. Just remember, FFL transfer required for firearm purchases, including this one.

Q: Can I use pellets or only loose powder?

A: The manual specifies loose powder, and that’s what I’d recommend for the best and most consistent performance. Modern powders like Blackhorn 209 measure easily and offer excellent consistency and cleaner burning compared to old-school pyrodex or triple-seven pellets.

If you’re looking to add a serious, modern edge to your late-season hunting arsenal, take a closer look at the Remington Model 700 Ultimate Muzzleloader. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.