Blackhorn 209 powder question

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lamerem

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I am trying to decide on powders. I know Pyrodex RS Select is on the top of my list. But I have questions about BH209. I have a CVA Buckhorn 209 (my first muzzy), correct me if I am wrong but the Buckhorn is a "plunger"style muzzleloader. How I am understanding it is the BH209 is not recommended for "plunger" style rifles. Why? What about the plunger rifle makes BH209 not a viable powder? Is it unsafe? What will be the reaction if I use the BH209 in my Buckhorn. I've read quite a bit about it but nothing that actually states what will happen if used. What I do know is that the powder charge is less than if I were using Pyrodex RS. Can someone shed some light on this subject.

Do you own a buckhorn (or any other "plunger" style rifle and use BH209?
 
lamerem said:
I am trying to decide on powders. I know Pyrodex RS Select is on the top of my list. But I have questions about BH209. I have a CVA Buckhorn 209 (my first muzzy), correct me if I am wrong but the Buckhorn is a "plunger"style muzzleloader. How I am understanding it is the BH209 is not recommended for "plunger" style rifles. Why? What about the plunger rifle makes BH209 not a viable powder? Is it unsafe? What will be the reaction if I use the BH209 in my Buckhorn. I've read quite a bit about it but nothing that actually states what will happen if used. What I do know is that the powder charge is less than if I were using Pyrodex RS. Can someone shed some light on this subject.

Do you own a buckhorn (or any other "plunger" style rifle and use BH209?

Don't know anything about BH209 but the 209 should light it off I would think. Pressure would be the concern in blowing the primer and hammer back and having debris and flying primers surround your action after ignition.

Aloha.. 8)
 
Um yeah, that's a scary thought. I definitely don't want the breech reopening with a ball of million degree gas. That would be the definition of a sucky day.
 
lamerem said:
I am trying to decide on powders. I know Pyrodex RS Select is on the top of my list. But I have questions about BH209. I have a CVA Buckhorn 209 (my first muzzy), correct me if I am wrong but the Buckhorn is a "plunger"style muzzleloader. How I am understanding it is the BH209 is not recommended for "plunger" style rifles. Why? What about the plunger rifle makes BH209 not a viable powder? Is it unsafe? What will be the reaction if I use the BH209 in my Buckhorn. I've read quite a bit about it but nothing that actually states what will happen if used. What I do know is that the powder charge is less than if I were using Pyrodex RS. Can someone shed some light on this subject.

Do you own a buckhorn (or any other "plunger" style rifle and use BH209?

Shooting BH in a 'plunger' type rifle can be a risk. Understand that while your rifle might appear to have a bolt it really is not like a bolt that you are use to. Blow back pressure from the barrel against the nose of the primer in the breech plug can force the 209 out of the BP back against the face of the bolt (plunger). I the case of the so called 'plunger' gun there is nothing that keeps the 'plunger' from moving to the rear allowing the 209 to be expelled from the BP - then out of the breech area to contact what might be around.

Another thing you should know is that BH is a very slow progressive buring smokeless powder. Because of this it maintains pressure in the barrel longer allowing pressure back on the plunger for a longer period of time. Using real BP or any of the other subs this progressive burning is not a factor. They burn rapidly to a peak pressure and then the pressure starts to deminish. Most often this really does not have an adverse effect on the 'plunger system'

I do shoot, on occasions, BH in a plunger style gun but I would never recommend it to anyone nor would allow any of grandkids to shoot it.

The pictures below show some of the reults of shooting BH in a 'plunger style gun...

picCollection.jpg


Primers.jpg


MKBarePrimerComposite.jpg
 
All I can tell you is my experience with a plunger style rifle shooting BlackHorn 209. I knew it was not recommended. And I had my T/C Black Diamond XR. But I wanted to know if the rifle would shoot it. I always wear shooting glasses (safety) and hearing protection on the range.

I think it was my third of fourth shot. It new a chunk of that 209 primer out and back and I ended up digging it out of my forehead. That was the last time I shot BlackHorn out of a plunger gun. Now I know some people do shoot it. Even though it is not recommended. All I can say, is wear safety glasses and carry tweezers. And also.. I would not do it. Too many other good powders out there to use.
 
I own several plunger style muzzleloaders. I originally started out with pyrodex but shortly thereafter switched to loose 777 ffg. It cleans up a little easier than pyrodex. I have taken numerous animals in all types of weather conditions from Iowa winters to Florida heat and humidity. It has always ignited with either #11 primers or 209's I use. It's readily available in my area. I have 100 percent confidence in it. I found it has a long shelf life. It usually cost a little more then pyrodex but I think it is worth it. Good Luck
 
Shooting BH in a 'plunger' type rifle can be a risk. Understand that while your rifle might appear to have a bolt it really is not like a bolt that you are use to. Blow back pressure from the barrel against the nose of the primer in the breech plug can force the 209 out of the BP back against the face of the bolt (plunger). I the case of the so called 'plunger' gun there is nothing that keeps the 'plunger' from moving to the rear allowing the 209 to be expelled from the BP - then out of the breech area to contact what might be around.

I have not yet tied BH209 in my 209 disc converted MK85 yet but 2, 50gr pellets sometimes blows the plastic jacket out the side and cocks the plunger back just like an auto loader!!!!! I contacted Knight several years back about this. They sent me a heavier plunger spring and new breech plug but I still get the same effect now and then. I have learned to keep my thumb on the right side of the breech when pulling the trigger. I had been bit by the pull cock too many times. Cant wait to try BH209 in it.
 
Franksauto said:
Shooting BH in a 'plunger' type rifle can be a risk. Understand that while your rifle might appear to have a bolt it really is not like a bolt that you are use to. Blow back pressure from the barrel against the nose of the primer in the breech plug can force the 209 out of the BP back against the face of the bolt (plunger). I the case of the so called 'plunger' gun there is nothing that keeps the 'plunger' from moving to the rear allowing the 209 to be expelled from the BP - then out of the breech area to contact what might be around.

I have not yet tied BH209 in my 209 disc converted MK85 yet but 2, 50gr pellets sometimes blows the plastic jacket out the side and cocks the plunger back just like an auto loader!!!!! I contacted Knight several years back about this. They sent me a heavier plunger spring and new breech plug but I still get the same effect now and then. I have learned to keep my thumb on the right side of the breech when pulling the trigger. I had been bit by the pull cock too many times. Cant wait to try BH209 in it.
Just remember to keep your thumb out of the way again...
 
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