Checking the simple stuff is a good idea. Good luck. I meant to add that some people think the 209 primers drive the charge and bullet up the barrel before complete combustion takes place which could have an effect on accuracy. The idea comes from the fact that the 209 primer will send a bullet about 30 yards by itself and a standard precussion cap or rifle primer will usually not make the bullet leave the barrel. Again, I don't see this difference in accuracy but obviously you do.

I recently purchased a 209 kit for my older Knight Rifle. I have always shot Knight factory 50 cal. bullets, 100 grains of pyrodex, and regular percussion caps.

My question is: Does anyone still use powder instead of pellets with 209 primers?

ABSOLUTELY!!!

I used Triple Se7en loose with 209s. I buy 20lbs at the time!

It's much, MUCH less expensive than Triple Se7en pellets and I also like to taylor my load precisely. A rifle may like 90 or 110gr instead of 100gr.

Just for interest; what powder were you using in the Remington? Personally I find little difference in accuracy with either the 209 primer or the 25ACP conversion which uses a rifle primer. I would be interested in seeing what your load was (powder and bullet as well as the primer). I am collecting a lot of information and some is of benefit for others. I haven't shot anything that uses a standard percussion or Musket cap for a long time.

You might want to check the sites as to the use of 209 primers vs. less hot primers. Many have found the 209 primers are so hot (too much energy) that they cause a difficult to deal with "crud" ring just forward of the powder charge. Sometimes it makes a second shot impossible. I have converted my Omega from the 209 to the 25acp conversion which uses rifle primers and the problem is almost eliminated. I'm not sure how wet it is where you hunt but if that is not a problem the 209 primers are not necessary. If you are set on the shotgun primers you should try to find the Remington 209 primers that are made for the .410 shotgun shells (they are less powerful) the other option is to use cci primers as they are the least hot of the standard primers. Federal are the hottest and cause the most problem with Triple Seven in my rifle. Hope this helps.