BH 209 Load Recommendations

Shop deals on ebay
Advertise with us
L&R
Modern Muzzleloading Forum

Help Support Modern Muzzleloading Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
birdog

birdog

Supporter
Supporting member
*
Joined
Jul 7, 2017
Messages
446
Reaction score
517
I'm looking for a load recommendation for BH 209 in a Traditions Pursuit Pro .50cal. I will be weighing my powder and I think I have an idea where to start. I'm new to muzzleloading so I need a little help starting off and to also increase my odds of surviving the first trigger pull. I'm borrowing the gun from a friend to wet my feet before I jump in. He shot triple 7 and after watching him fight that battle I decided BH 209 was where I wanted to start. Thanks in advance.
 
MSalyards said:
Start with 209 breech plug.
Click to expand...
I emailed Traditions and asked about that. Below is the response I received.

Good Morning,
There is no special breech plug for our break action rifles. As long as the rifle is already set up by the factory for 209 shotgun primers, you can use the same breech plug for Blackhorn 209 powder. If your gun uses musket caps, or #11 percussion caps, then you Can Not use this powder.

Thank You.

Joseph Novelli
 
Be sure to visit BlackHorn's website and read the Technical/Load Data/FAQ sections, lots of good info.
https://www.blackhorn209.com/

I would start off with 56 grains of BH by Weight and go have some fun shooting.

Side note, my ex-traditions pursuit is the only muzzleloader I ever got rid of, it did not hold up well to range time/hunting. Maybe their quality has changed in recent years but something to think about if you decide to buy one in the future.
 
New to M-L,ing? If so, become versed in the cleaning regimen after shooting.


Also, no need for max hunting charges just getting familiar. Once things are moving along, gravitate towards hunting charges for final sight-in.
 
Last edited:
Traditions does make some fine guns BUT if you want a a gun that is very very accurate and 100% reliable to ignight BH209 then you need to look into a CVA Wolf or Optima if you don't want to spend an arm & leg for quality ML Also get CCI or Win 209 primers Not the special primers like T7 . Next you need to decide what conical or bullet/sabot combo IE design and weight you think you may want to shoot and work up a load from there. You may want to try several different bullets and your gun will tell you what it likes best. ( WARNING ) IF YOU HAVE A GOOD EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR TRIAL RUN OF MUZZLELOADER SHOOTING YOU WILL BE HOOKED FOR LIFE SIR! lol Start out like mentioned above by BuckDoe Hunter with 56gr by weighed out charge , witch is 80gr by volume ,and go from there.... once you hit your guns sweet spot or what it likes you will be able to tell as EVERYTHING will come together as far as the guns accuracy . Good luck and always remember there is NO question that is dumb or stupid so don't be afraid to ask for help.
 
Did your friend try Tripple 7 pellets or lose powder?

As mentioned, Traditions Pursuit’s breech plug is already BH209 compatible.

I think mine likes around 70 weighed of BH 209, most important for accuracy out of these is finding a good bullet or bullet sabot combo that will load well and shoot consistently. I use CCI primers but many will work well.

My Traditions is going into its 7th or 8th season of target shooting and hunting and is holding up well, it still looks and performs great, guess I got lucky!
 
He used 150gr, reduced to 100gr of Triple 7 pellets in hopes of improving accuracy. Not sure what sabot/bullet combo he used. Neither load shot well not to mention the cleaning needed was a pain in the butt. Watching what he had to go thru after every third shot almost turned me off on the whole idea of ML, that is until I jumped in here and started doing some research.

I received a sample pack of bullets and sabots from the guy's at Harvester I will be shooting. I have cleaned the gun thoroughly and I have visited the BH website. I've actually been doing research on this for several months and I'm leaning towards smokeless once I get some time under my belt. I will have plenty of questions in the spring as I have narrowed down my options on smokeless.

Thanks everyone!
 
Traditions plugs are not that great for BH209 but they will work. Keep the flash CHANNEL cleaned out with a 1/8" drill bit. Do this within 15 shots or so until you get a feel for how fast carbon builds up in yours. You might need to do it more or less. A pin vice or a hex shank bit will make it easier to turn the bit.
ejGIRDN.jpg


Next is you want to get a pack of o-rings. This will make a huge difference in blowby into the action. A hot primer dont meen anything if its losing lots of its energy into the breach. You can get quite a few shots per o-ring. Probably 20+ before you need a new one. The o-ring goes in the primer pocket.

This is the o-ring you want. Might even be able to get this size at a good hardware store.
https://www.mcmaster.com/9262k611
L9A2kuC.png
 
Birddog I suggest you review Western Powder info on use of BH 209. They have a ballistics page of different BH 209 load use in increments of 80, 100, 120 gr by volume. There are several bullet styles to choose from also listed with the velocities shown at the muzzle. This will help you get a start. Since the Traditions ML is ready to go with as is breech plug you only need the hottest primer available to be sure of a complete burn with no miss fires. Either a CCI 209M (M for magnum) or Winchester 209 are known to have the needed primer heat to avoid bad ignition. Good luck and be careful of the recoil!
 
Its a Pursuit Pro and they had 2 versions. Older one without the Accelerator plug and the newer one that has the same plug they use in all models now.

The plug looks much like a CVA OEM plug. It has no recess like the BH209 plug. Its similar to a CVA OEM plug but with a 1/8 flash channel and we know how well that works....not that great.

Keep it clean and the primer sealed well. Then it should not give you any problems. Modding it with a recessed vent liner and a 5/32 flash channel makes it a far better plug.
 
GM54-120 said:
Its a Pursuit Pro and they had 2 versions. Older one without the Accelerator plug and the newer one that has the same plug they use in all models now.

The plug looks much like a CVA OEM plug. It has no recess like the BH209 plug. Its similar to a CVA OEM plug but with a 1/8 flash channel and we know how well that works....not that great.

Keep it clean and the primer sealed well. Then it should not give you any problems. Modding it with a recessed vent liner and a 5/32 flash channel makes it a far better plug.
Click to expand...
What is a recessed vent liner and who would I send the plug to for this mod?
 
I'm not one of the experts here, But I recently went through the runaround with Blackhorn 209 and Traditions.
The accelerator plug works but must be completely cleaned as stated. Flash channel and the small flash hole. Mine was the Buckstalker and extremely tight bore, with 777 almost impossible to load 2nd shot, forget the 3rd without swabbing. Main reason for trying Blackhorn and no success until I was going to drill out BP to 1/8" as per Blackhorn specs. It was already 1/8" but caked with hard black carbon, I got a small pile using the drill bit. Then it shot BH 209 great, 10 shots, firm but manageable to load, accurate, and 90gr about same recoil as 100gr. Hated selling/trading it but didn't need 2 rifles and I got same value as my new TC Impact ($185 shipped) out of the box Blackhorn 209 Ready and TC warranty and quality. That would but my suggestion if you're buying a new rifle. Many do like the CVA Wolf but get the special breech plug for Blackhorn.
 
O rings are ordered. I already have a pin vise and 1/8 drill bit for the breech plug, I have reviewed the Black Horn ballistics page and I have taken into consideration everything all of you have suggested. I doubt I will go with Traditions as I have narrowed down my choice to either a Thompson Encore barrel for an Encore build from Luke or a CVA Scout from Hankins. I'm really intrigued with smokeless but looking forward to using my buddy's Traditions for this years ML season in IL.

Thanks again everyone for your help. I'm going to talk my buddy into sending his breech plug off to Badger Ridge after the season.
 
Last edited:
Doccbst1 said:
I'm not one of the experts here, But I recently went through the runaround with Blackhorn 209 and Traditions.
The accelerator plug works but must be completely cleaned as stated. Flash channel and the small flash hole. Mine was the Buckstalker and extremely tight bore, with 777 almost impossible to load 2nd shot, forget the 3rd without swabbing. Main reason for trying Blackhorn and no success until I was going to drill out BP to 1/8" as per Blackhorn specs. It was already 1/8" but caked with hard black carbon, I got a small pile using the drill bit. Then it shot BH 209 great, 10 shots, firm but manageable to load, accurate, and 90gr about same recoil as 100gr. Hated selling/trading it but didn't need 2 rifles and I got same value as my new TC Impact ($185 shipped) out of the box Blackhorn 209 Ready and TC warranty and quality. That would but my suggestion if you're buying a new rifle. Many do like the CVA Wolf but get the special breech plug for Blackhorn.
Click to expand...

Sorry to hijack and resurrect a zombie thread, but I just joined so I could figure this exact trick out!! I've had a Buckstalker for a couple years, but I've had so much trouble with trying to get Blackhorn working and haven't seen the consistency with other powders that I've found my Hawken w/ PRB and real BP is way more accurate at 50-100yds!

Doccbst1 - any suggestions here? I think I've been doing the same thing. Bought a 1/8" drill bit and have been using that AND the flash hole pick between EVERY SHOT and I still get hang fires or just complete ignition failures.

Understand there are other rifles out there that may be better for this, but would like to give one last go rescuing this one before the upcoming season!
 
Last edited:
Semper_Smokey said:
Sorry to hijack and resurrect a zombie thread, but I just joined so I could figure this exact trick out!! I've had a Buckstalker for a couple years, but I've had so much trouble with trying to get Blackhorn working and haven't seen the consistency with other powders that I've found my Hawken w/ PRB and real BP is way more accurate at 50-100yds!

Doccbst1 - any suggestions here? I think I've been doing the same thing. Bought a 1/8" drill bit and have been using that AND the flash hole pick between EVERY SHOT and I still get hang fires or just complete ignition failures.

Understand there are other rifles out there that may be better for this, but would like to give one last go rescuing this one before the upcoming season!
Click to expand...
You don't mention what primers you use. If they're muzzleloader specific, then that's the problem.
 
Ah, sorry - good point!

Been using CCI 209 primers specifically b/c thought they'd be hot enough (vs other caps I use for regular BP). Do those do the trick normally?

And if it helps - got confused by marketing / product descriptions so I actually ended up buying a second breech plug. So had a chance to try it from a completely clean, new plug as well!
 

Similar threads

J
Recommend FFFg loads for 250gr bullet in CVA Optima LR
Replies
8
Views
231
txhunter58
T
M
BH 209 & 1st gen Pro Hunter
Replies
3
Views
536
billyboy*
B
D
Need help working up first loads…
Replies
7
Views
640
jd24.5.48
J
F
Smokeless Anomaly (Long Post But Please Read)
Replies
7
Views
262
Fishbc
F
gregdaws
Breach Plugs, tape and fouling, what do you do???
2
Replies
25
Views
1K
rangerod
R

Latest posts

Back
Top