I have always used Black Powder in my traditional and in line muzzleloaders. The source I used to get it at no longer sells it. So I am switching to a substitute.

I know this probably gets posted all the time. But I am having a hard time deciding between 777, White Hots, or Blackhorn 209.

I would appreciate some suggestions. I am kind of leaning toward the 209. I shoot an inline that has 209 ignition. I do not shoot my traditional much anymore and have enough black powder for it to last a few years.

BlackHorn 209 with out question, is the best of all of them. Clean, lot less smoke, no smell. I can only fire 3 rounds with 777, and I have to swab the barrel, 50 rounds with BH209, and it still loads and shoots the same as the frst round. White hots are just 777 without the black color.

90-100 grs. of BH209, CCI magnum primer and just about any bullet 250-300 grains will shoot great.

All substitutes SUCK, are hard to ignite, and corrosive as hell! That said, I use them too... I've had fantastic results using 777, but it requires prompt cleaning prior to storage.

+1 for the Blackhorn 209. Best I've ever used, from groups to cleanup.

Another vote for Blackhorn 209. It cleans up really easily and is almost non corrosive. I have left my ML for three weeks after a range session with it and no signs of rust or corrosion of any kind. It also ignites with standard shotshell primers, every time. You don't have the 777 crud ring, smell, or "special" primers.

I only use Pyrodex on occaision where BH209 is not recommended.

If your gun is set up for it, B209 without a doubt. The next down the list I would try is loose 777 powder.

Ok im convinced. My gun is a modern in line and should have no issues with newer powders. I have like 4 cases of shotshell primers so I will use those. Got an elk hunt coming up so I ordered some 300 grain Swift A-frames to try. I love their rifle bullets.

Thanks for the help

Earl, I don't know which ML you have, but be sure it is the solid breechplug type when using BH209. It is not recommended for "split" breechplug designs like the CVA Buckhorn or Staghorn even though they use shotgun primers since the primer is not fully encased.

Larry it is a CVA Wolf purchased about 2 years ago. I could not afford the more expensive ones so settled on this one. It shoots great with Black Powder. I am not sure what you mean but this breach plug is one piece threaded.

Earl, if your breechplug looks like this it is approved for BH209:


If it looks like the one below, it is "split" at the top and does not completely encase the primer and is NOT approved for BH209. This is the one I use Pyrodex pellets with for that reason.

Earl, the CVA Wolf will handle BlackHorn with no problem. Load it & go!

I appreciate the help. Yes my breech plug looks exactly like the top one.

Great! I know they put both in the Wolf depending on the year. That's why I asked. Good hunting!

I like to use BH209 as my first choice but Nevada ruled that it is not blackpowder so it can't be used for hunting in Nevada. I believe Utah did the same. You should check to see if it is ok to use in AZ if you are using it for hunting.

Well I am happy to report that I bought some BH209 and went out this past weekend. I started at 100 grains and ended at 110. 100 grains had a shotgun effect on groups and 110 was down to about a 2 inch group. I decided to try the Barnes 290 grain Spitfire T-EZ.

I shot my Wolf Magnum about 20 rounds and my shoulder is hamburger today. LOL!!! So 2 inches with a little flinching at the end aint to bad. I will try it again in a couple weeks to see if I can do better. The gun is so light and stock so thin it pushes you little more than my Hawken does.

Earl,
If it was up to me I would use FF black powder for anything this important and that other stuff when it really don't matter. Kenny

Earl, don't forget to clean the heck out of your breechplug. The flame channel located just below the primer pocket (3mm diameter) will fill with hard carbon deposit using BH209 and cause misfires or no fires.

Some Hoppes #9 or similar solvent on a 3mm drill bit will work wonders. Don't look at that hole and think it is clean if you haven't done this procedure - because it isn't.

Great advice to clean the flame channel. BH209 has been wonderful in my rifles and not having to clean constantly between shots is a blessing. Plus when you do clean good old #9 is all you need. Good stuff. Darn expensive though.

Don

Yup. That is the only thing I think Hoppe's is any good for. I soak the breach plug in it while I clean the rest of the rifle. Then I can use a pipe cleaner to clean out the flame channel.

My TC Omega shoots great with T7 and Select.I haven't tried BH209 yet.

I have shot 777 since 2006 and it is NOT corrosive...quite the opposite, it cleans very easily

Try them all. Each rifle is differnt. What works in one guys muzzle loader might not work for yours. The same for projectiles.

Another vote for Blackhorn 209. My ProHunter shoots sub moa all day with 115gr of BH 209, a 250gr Barnes TMZ, Yellow Harvester crush rib sabot and Win 209 primer. Another tip with BH 209 is to seat the bullet very firmly each time and try to be consistent. If you have to it shipped I found a place to buy it in NC that is $27 per jug TYD (no hazmat fee). Store information is below. You will have to call them to order.

Ed's Gun Shop
5560 US 1 HWY
Vass, NC 28394
(910) 692-7936
(910) 692-4867 fax
sales@edsgunshop.com or vilorio2005@aol.com

Hours:
M - F - 9am - 6pm
Sat - 9am - 5pm
Sun - Closed