Barnes Spit-Fire TMZ 50 Cal. 250 Grain Muzzleloader Bullets – Knight Rifles

For hunters and target shooters in the United States who rely on Knight Rifles or other inline black powder platforms, the Barnes Spit-Fire TMZ 50 Cal. 250 Grain Muzzleloader Bullets offer a consistent, field-proven option for accurate shot placement. Whether you are filling a whitetail tag in the Midwest or working up a load for a precision muzzleloader match, these 24-pack bullets are designed to deliver reliable terminal performance and repeatable accuracy. As a licensed FFL retailer, we stock this item for shooters who want a bullet that performs from the bench to the field without unnecessary complexity.

Product Overview

The Barnes Spit-Fire TMZ 50 Cal. 250 Grain Muzzleloader Bullets are a factory-loaded, sabot-style projectile engineered specifically for use in Knight Rifles and other modern inline muzzleloaders. Each package contains 24 bullets, each weighing 250 grains, with a .50 caliber diameter that fits standard 50-caliber muzzleloader barrels. The TMZ (Total Muzzleloader) design incorporates a polymer sabot that helps center the bullet in the bore and provides a consistent seal against the rifling. This product is intended for shooters who prioritize accuracy and controlled expansion on game, including deer, black bear, and hogs. It is not a novelty item or a collector’s piece—it is a working bullet for hunters and target shooters who demand predictable performance.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: .50 caliber (fits standard 50-caliber muzzleloader barrels)
• Bullet Weight: 250 grains
• Quantity: 24 bullets per package
• Bullet Type: Spit-Fire TMZ (Total Muzzleloader) with polymer sabot
• Construction: All-copper hollow point (lead-free)
• Ballistic Coefficient: Approximately 0.210 (manufacturer estimate)
• Muzzle Velocity: Varies by powder charge; typical loads achieve 1,900-2,100 fps
• Sabot Material: Polymer, pre-lubricated for easier loading
• Primer Compatibility: Standard #11 or 209 muzzleloader primers (depending on rifle)
• Powder Compatibility: Loose black powder or black powder substitutes (e.g., Pyrodex, Triple Seven)
• Intended Use: Hunting (deer, bear, hogs) and target shooting

Feature Deep-Dive

The Barnes Spit-Fire TMZ bullet is built around an all-copper hollow point design, which eliminates lead core separation and ensures that the bullet retains its weight on impact. This construction is particularly useful for hunters who want consistent penetration through heavy bone or thick muscle tissue. The hollow point cavity is engineered to expand reliably at muzzleloader velocities, creating a wound channel that promotes quick, ethical kills. For target shooters, the all-copper bullet also reduces fouling in the barrel compared to lead-core options, which can extend the time between thorough cleanings.

The polymer sabot is a key component of the Spit-Fire TMZ system. It is pre-lubricated to reduce the force needed to seat the bullet against the powder charge, which helps maintain consistent seating depth from shot to shot. The sabot also grips the rifling uniformly, which can improve accuracy in rifles with tighter bore tolerances. For shooters using Knight Rifles, this sabot design has been tested to work with standard twist rates (typically 1:28 or 1:32) and provides a secure seal that minimizes gas blow-by. This consistency is what allows the bullet to group well at 100 yards and beyond.

At 250 grains, this bullet offers a balance between flat trajectory and retained energy. It is heavy enough to drive through shoulder blades on a mature buck but not so heavy that it drops excessively at 150 yards. The muzzle velocity, typically between 1,900 and 2,100 fps with a 100-grain powder charge, gives the bullet a point-blank range of about 125 yards for most hunters. Beyond that, shooters will need to account for drop, but the bullet’s ballistic coefficient helps keep the trajectory manageable out to 200 yards. This makes it a practical choice for hunters who take shots at moderate distances in open fields or timber edges.

Durability is another practical feature of this bullet. The all-copper construction resists deformation during loading, which can be a concern with softer lead-core bullets when using a short starter. The polymer sabot also protects the bullet base from damage when loading into a fouled barrel. For shooters who hunt in wet conditions, the lead-free design means the bullet is not prone to corrosion, and the sabot helps keep moisture away from the powder charge. These factors contribute to the bullet’s reliability in the field, where a misfire or poor accuracy can mean a lost opportunity.

Consistency in manufacturing is critical for muzzleloader bullets, and Barnes uses a controlled process to keep weight and diameter tolerances tight. Each bullet in the 24-pack is expected to fall within a narrow weight range, which reduces the need for sorting before loading. The sabots are also molded to uniform dimensions, so the bullet seats at the same depth each time when using a consistent ramrod pressure. For target shooters working up a load, this consistency can translate into smaller groups on paper. For hunters, it means the point of impact remains predictable across multiple range sessions.

Finally, the Spit-Fire TMZ is designed to be compatible with a wide range of muzzleloader powders and primers. While Barnes recommends starting with a 100-grain charge of black powder or substitute, the bullet can be used with charges from 80 to 120 grains depending on the rifle’s capacity and the shooter’s preference. The polymer sabot does not require additional lubrication, so shooters can load the bullet directly after charging the barrel. This simplicity is appreciated by hunters who want to minimize steps in the field, especially when reloading quickly during a hunt.

Ideal Use Cases

This bullet is primarily suited for hunting medium to large game, including white-tailed deer, black bear, and feral hogs. The 250-grain weight and all-copper expansion provide the penetration needed for broadside and quartering shots. It is also a solid choice for target shooters who want to practice with the same bullet they hunt with, as the consistent accuracy allows for reliable load development. For home defense, muzzleloaders are generally not recommended due to slow reload times, so this product is not marketed for that role. It is not designed for concealed carry or competition shooting, as those applications require different platforms. Collectors may find the Barnes packaging useful for reference, but the product’s value lies in its field performance, not display.

Compatibility Notes

The Barnes Spit-Fire TMZ 50 Cal. 250 Grain Bullets are designed for use in .50 caliber inline muzzleloaders with a 1:28 or 1:32 twist rate, including Knight Rifles, Thompson Center, and similar brands. The polymer sabot fits standard .50 caliber bores and does not require a special barrel or conversion. For ammunition, these bullets are compatible with loose black powder (2F or 3F) and black powder substitutes such as Pyrodex RS, Triple Seven, and Blackhorn 209. Do not use these bullets in sidelock muzzleloaders without verifying bore diameter, as the sabot may not load easily in some traditional rifles. No holsters, magazines, or additional accessories are needed for the bullets themselves, but shooters should use a short starter and a range rod for consistent seating. For storage, keep the bullets in a cool, dry place to prevent sabot degradation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can these bullets be shipped to my address in the United States?
Yes. Muzzleloader bullets are not classified as firearms or ammunition under federal law, so they can be shipped directly to your door in most states. However, some states or localities may have restrictions on lead-free bullets or shipping of projectiles. We recommend checking your local laws before ordering. We ship to all 50 states via UPS or USPS, with a signature not typically required for this item.

2. Do I need an FFL transfer to purchase these bullets?
No. Barnes Spit-Fire TMZ bullets are components, not firearms or complete ammunition cartridges. No Federal Firearms License (FFL) transfer is needed. You can order them as you would any other shooting accessory. We do require that you are at least 18 years old to purchase muzzleloader projectiles, per federal guidelines.

3. Are these bullets compatible with my Knight Rifles muzzleloader?
Yes, these bullets are specifically tested for use in Knight Rifles, as well as most other .50 caliber inline muzzleloaders. The polymer sabot is designed to fit standard .50 caliber bores with 1:28 or 1:32 twist rates. For best results, start with a 100-grain charge of black powder or substitute and adjust based on your rifle’s accuracy. If you have an older Knight model with a tight bore, you may want to check fitment with a single bullet before purchasing multiple packs.

4. What is the warranty on these bullets?
Barnes Bullets offers a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. If you receive a bullet with visible damage, such as a deformed sabot or split copper jacket, contact Barnes directly or return the product to us for replacement. The warranty does not cover issues caused by improper storage, excessive powder charges, or use in non-compatible firearms. We stand behind the product as a retailer and will assist with warranty claims.

5. Can I return these bullets if they don’t work in my rifle?
We accept returns on unopened packages within 30 days of purchase. Opened packages of bullets cannot be returned due to safety and hygiene concerns. If you are unsure about compatibility, we recommend buying a single pack first to test in your rifle. For defective items, we will replace the product at no cost. Shipping charges for returns are the responsibility of the buyer unless the defect is manufacturer-related.

For shooters in the United States looking for a dependable muzzleloader bullet that performs across a range of hunting and target applications, the Barnes Spit-Fire TMZ 50 Cal. 250 Grain 24-Pack is a straightforward choice. We ship this product to all 50 states with no FFL transfer required, and our inventory is available for immediate order. If you have questions about compatibility with your specific rifle or load, contact our team during business hours. Add this pack to your cart to prepare for your next range session or hunt.