Recently Tried Blackhorn 209 Powder

[CB on the run]

You use a different type of quick loader.  One that has two seperate chambers, one for powder and one for the bullet.  Many different companies manufacture them and my new ones even show the amount of powder in grains eliminating the need for a powder measure.
 
CB

[CB on the run]

ORIGINAL: RMc

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

 
Blackhorn 209 is not smokeless, it is a blackpowder substitute and has to be measured by volume and not weight like smokless powder.  Use a regular 209 primer with this powder and not one of the reduced ML primers designed to decrease fouling in in-lines.  It has a higher ignition temperature but is a very good choice.
 
CB

[RMc]

 



[/align]Apparently Western Powder has managed to create what amounts to a bulk "smokeless powder" with some potassium nitrate and sulfur added. [font="times new roman"]Western Powder also no longer claims Blackhorn 209 is non-corrosive.[/font]

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2010/06/11/is-blackhorn-209-really-a-smokeless-powder/

http://home.earthlink.net/~manzanovalph/Blackhorn209.pdf

Also, the December 2010 issue of Handloader Magazine has a feature article on Blackhorn 209 use in cartridge guns. Blackhorn 209 is described as a modern reintroduction of "bulk smokeless" powder. 

Guns Magazine also ran this article:

Blackhorn 209 powder: a smokeless substitute for black powder: 
 
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_7_55/ai_n31881939/



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[CB on the run]

The article is poorly written.  Smokeless powder which is loaded in modern firearm ammo for rifles, pistols and shotguns is measured by weight in grains.  Blackpowder & substitutes are measured in volume by grains.  There is a tremendous difference.  If someone was to place 150 grains by weight of Blackhorn 209 in their muzzleloader and fire it, the gun would explode possibly injuring or killing the shooter.  The article alludes to this and also states that the BH 209 is measured in volume which by definition makes it a substitute.  I'm not trying to argue but would devastated if someone accidently confused this product with true smokeless powder.
 
CB

[RMc]

As I read it, the Handloader article made it clear that, like the earlier bulk smokeless powders, Blackhorn 209 is designed to be loaded in equal volume to black powder. The article further noted, that in metallic cartridges, Blackhorn 209 should be loaded to fill the available powder space.

The muzzleloader hunter/shooter is well accustomed to using "volume to volume" loading methods with "substitute" powders. So, although very unlikely, it would be extremely dangerous if someone loaded 150 grains by weight of ANY black powder substitute into a muzzloading firearm.   

That some states prohibit the use of nitrocellulose based powders during muzzleloader only hunting seasons could be another concern. 

[CB on the run]

Please go to the Blackhorn web site and email the company.  I did and recieved a quick response from product manager Doug Phair.  I quote "Blackhorn 209 is NOT a smokeless powder, it is a black powder substitute.  Please refer to the product sheet."  I have saved the email response and will forward to you if desired.
 
CB

[RMc]

Call it what you will.
 
Blackhorn 209 is a great propellant for modern inline muzzleloading rifles.

[jdbell91]

I just started using Blackhorn 209 in my .50 caliber CVA Accura. I shoot a 250 grain Hornaday SST Low Drag sabot with 100 grains of Blackhorn 209 powder and CCI 209 primers. It is dead center at 100 yards. That is the max I can shoot at my range. I have it scoped with a Nikon Slug Hunter BDC 200. I have a great deal of confidence in this load. Now I need to test it on a deer. Wish me luck.