Will the MZ work in my smokeless muzzleloader?
Barnes tested the Savage 110 ML-II smokeless muzzleloader using Barnes 250gr MZ bullets, with excellent results. Savage recommends fast-burning powders such as XMP 5744, IMR 4227, &VV N110, all of which develop considerably higher pressures than will black powder or Pyrodex. Although the Savage rifle can safely handle the higher pressures, most of the sabots we tested cannot. Excessive pressures cause the sabot to fail, which results in inconsistent velocities, poor accuracy, and even bullet tumbling. Barnes tested several slower-burning powders such as H4198, and RL-7. These two powders gave pressures similar to black powder and Pyrodex, accuracy was sub-MOA, and velocity was excellent. Barnes has not yet conducted sufficient testing to publish starting and maximum loads for these powders, however about 65 grs of either powder appears equivalent to 150 grs of Pyrodex pellets.
Many of you have likely seen this before, but when I read it several months ago I found it interesting they recomended RL-7 and H-4198 for 250 grain bullets, because of pressures similiar to BP. This was one of the reasons I used RL-7 for a significant time, albeit with 300 grain bullets. Its my feeling, N-120 falls within this realm and I personally have had greater consistent success with this powder.