Recently Tried Blackhorn 209 Powder

[marshall9779]

I have a CVA Optima Elite muzzle loader that I bought last year. I started off using Shockey's Gold powder and 200gr Shockwaves. I have been really wanting to try Blackhorn 209 with all the hype it's been getting. I shot it two weekends ago and WOW. No swabbing between shots, super accurate, fairly easy clean up but the breech plug took a little more attention from the primer fouling. I ended up finding the best load with the 200gr Shockwaves to be with 100gr of BH209. This should put that bullet right at 2000fps. If you take the one that I pulled out of the picture I had three shots making one big whole right at .75" wide. This cut the best group I had with the Shockey's in half. The powder is more expensive but I don't shoot a ton, and to me it's well worth being able to shoot all day without swabbing the bore. I'll most likely have to keep a drill bit with me and drill out the primer fouling every ten shots or so. Now I need to get rid of over half a can of Shockey's Gold. I adjusted the sights after that group before I left so next time I'll try fitting them all in the bull.

[MAXELM]

  I like this powder also and will use it this coming deer season. I think the only real drawback is that you have to use the 209 primers for positive ignition. Another good thing about this powder, you DON'T get the crud ring like you do with 777. To me, it is pretty good stuff.... 

[marshall9779]

ORIGINAL: MAXELM
  I like this powder also and will use it this coming deer season. I think the only real drawback is that you have to use the 209 primers for positive ignition. Another good thing about this powder, you DON'T get the crud ring like you do with 777. To me, it is pretty good stuff.... 

 
I don't see using regular 209 primers as a drawback as they are sometimes cheaper than the special muzzleloading 209 primers.

[reeper0697]

I bought some Shockey's gold pellets a while back to give them a try. Talk about turds. I have never seen a worse quality control in my life and couldnt get a group for the life of me. Switched back to my old powder and grouped fine. I might have to look into this stuff.

[MAXELM]

  marshall9779, What I meant really by drawback is if you have a flintlock or percussion type muzzleloader this powder isn't recommended. For inline guns with the 209 sealed breech this powder is great..... 

[marshall9779]

Gotcha.

[mgemmill]

Plan on trying BH 209 my self. My Encore shoots well with 777 but that group is amazing !!

[luvtahunt]

Please, if you have not tried B/H 209 try it!!! It has none of the drawbacks the other black powder substitutes have. It is non-corrosive, does not absorb moisture, it's super consistent. There is nothing on the market that can compete. I know there are people who are loyal to a certain brand of powder, but if they are honest with themselves and have tried B/H 209 they must admit this is good stuff. I am very embarrassed to tell this story but I think it's useful to all that read this post. Last muzzle loader season I returned home early due to health concerns. I neglected to unload my gun and eight months later realized my mistake. I have a new T/C Omega and I just knew I had ruined the barrel. I removed the breach plug, and tipped the end of the barrel up, and as GOD is my judge the powder just poured out loose as a goose. There was not a blemish in that barrel, not a speck!!!   Now, if it can cure stupid I may get another chance this fall... Good luck and remember, keep your powder dry, It's easy with B/H 209....

[RMc]

Blackhorn 209 is a bulk smokeless powder - great stuff for 209 primer ignition guns.

[fr0sty]

How does loose powder work with those clear tubes you can use to load your sabot and powder?  I put but bullet in, then two 777 pellets.  The tube goes into a little rubber holder than hangs on a lanyard.  The bullets are at the bottom when hanging and the power on top.  I would be concerned with loose powder that it wouldn't load up right when pouring it into the muzzle on an in field reload.

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