https://www.outdoorlife.com/story/hunting/federals-firestick-will-be-a-game-changer-in-the-muzzlelader-hunting-world/

I'm intrigued by the advantages the Nitrofire has to offer, with its Federal FireStick propellant technology.  But also leery about investing in a system that might not be around for long.  Maybe it doesn't catch on among the more traditional muzzleloader crowd.  Maybe the cost per shot (around $4.50) will keep demand low.  And the Nitrofire rifle would be a paperweight without the FireStick being available.

I certainly don't need a muzzleloader for hunting here in Florida (although we do have a muzzleloader-only season.)

A Traditions Nitrofire gun (no optic) can be had for around $500, which is the budget I was considering.

I'm not too concerned about the per shot cost.  Just future availability.  But art of me asks, "Why get a muzzleloader if you don't need one for any reason other than to keep ammo costs down?"

What are your thoughts?

I might do just that.  I think it would be fun to learn how to cast bullets and shoot blackpowder.

Nitrofire is going to be way more expensive to shoot than just about any other muzzleloader. Wouldn't depend on supply for it being easy to find either.
Go with a more traditional gun...  Percussion, flintlock or even a regular inline using 209 primers.

One other piece of advice, before you run out and buy molds to cast your own, get the rifle you want first.
Its barrel twist rate will determine the bullets (or roundball in the case of slow twist) will work out best for you.

Are the firesticks reloadable?

Drop another charge in, cardboard wad, hot glue seal.

Did it say that the primer actually goes in the plastic "case", or a separate nipple?

Better question, why hasn't anyone chambered their break action smokepole for 45/70 blanks? Or maybe I should suggest a Contender... seems straightforward, besides having to seat a bullet on a primed charge (which isn't BP impact sensitive anyway?).

Since not firing a fixed cartridge is the name of the game, what's wrong with breech loading? Why not just use a nice sturdy ramrod with large palm swell as a stop to prevent over-seating into the rifling. The ramrod would also fit in your pocket... then you can drop a 45-70/12ga/etc blank in the chamber.

Hell, I bet buckshot pellets and a 38spl blank would be fun for small game or beercan hunting.

The whole thing just sounds like a bad idea. Requires a 4473 and you are locked into an expensive (~$3) per powder charge that is at this point single source non reloadable. This has all the signs of being an abandoned by the manufacturer $500 paperweight in 3 years.
Never mind that more than a few states will likely classify it as not a muzzleloader.
$500ish is getting into nice premium inline territory. I think your better served elsewhere.

Basic inline muzzleloaders start around $200 and go up from there. Los of good options and much cheaper and flexible to feed than a gimmick nitrofire. A traditional rifle will be more expensive but generally cheaper to feed especially with round balls. If you just want something to shoot and enjoy the process go that way.

The primer is in the plastic case not a separate nipple.

I would pass on this.. boat anchor in 3 years..

As others have commented, I'd steer clear of the gimcracks.  A traditional rifle will be a lot more supportable.  And I think you'll find it more enjoyable to shoot.

Came here to post this. As someone who shoots in lines a lot this appears to be a solution looking for a problem.  For people who don’t want to measure their powder the industry already offers pellets and at that price point I don’t see it being popular.  Also, just my personal opinion, Traditions muzzleloaders are pretty much bottom of the barrel so if that’s the platform they’re using I would never be interested.
Most of your 209 primer ignition in lines are already water resistant or can be modified to be by shimming the primer pocket for a few thousands “crush” when the action is closed. If your bullet is in a sabot no significant moisture is getting to your powder.  I’ve hunted in the rain for a few days and still took a deer when the opportunity came.