Recent to market, Cutting Edge Bullets’ lead-free, 160- and 250-gr. MZL Raptor in-line muzzleloading projectiles are designed specifically for maximum terminal effect. Machined from solid copper, the flat-base, 0.4515”-diameter bullets have four 1/8” slits that form petals which, after 1”-2” of penetration, detach from the “Blunt Trauma Base” and radiate outward, resulting in five separate wound channels. Meanwhile, the non-deforming base continues its straight-line path of penetration. Retained weights for the 160- and 250-gr. projectiles are typically 95 grs. and 183 grs., respectively. To initiate expansion, as well as improve their ballistic coefficients, which translates to more downrange velocity, and thus retained energy, and reduced wind deflection, MZL Raptor bullets have black polymer tips. The projectiles’ bodies feature relief grooves similar to those of the company’s center-fire rifle bullets, which, for the aforementioned projectiles, provide a place for material displaced by the rifling to migrate, as well as serve to reduce the bearing surface and thus reduce pressure; however, the MZL Raptor bullets are contained within black Harvester Crush Rib sabots, and are not in direct contact with the bore. Nevertheless, if MZL Raptor bullets perform as well as their center-fire counterparts, they’ll be a hit in the muzzleloading marketplace. Twelve-count packages of MZL Raptor bullets sell for $28.08 (160 gr.) or $29.64 (250 gr.).
