Powder Types

[Carl323]

Is Blackhorn 209 powder ok for traditional percussion cap rifles? I've used only Pyrodex. And then there's Triple 7, which I've never used either. If BH and T7 are both ok, is it correct that pretty much the same number of grains in my powder measure (by volume) are equivalent for all three? So, the 70 grains of Pyrodex I often shoot is equivalent to 70 grains of the other two, or not? Want to try the other two. And I mean here the loose pouring version of these powders. Thanks.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I don't use fakes.
What do you have against real bp?

Edit: Oops! I see you live in California. Sorry for the scarcasm. Still can't help.

 

[mooman76]

I don't know about BH209 but 777 is more powerful than Pyrodex or real black and you should be reducing your loads to make an equivalent.

 

[rafterob]

Yes you can use the same volume measurement for all. It may take some tweeking with the various powders to find the best load. Blackhorn is more appropriate for inlines, triple7 is the premier substitute powder. Pyrodex works just fine, if it were me I wouldn't bother switching unless you switch to the real stuff.

 

[biliff]

If you go to the blackhorn 209 website you'll see it's pretty much designed for the unmentionables with 209 primers. Even then, they recommend only certain 209 primers.

We do not recommend any of the 209 primers designated for muzzleloaders (Winchester Triple 7, CCI MZL, Federal Fusion, or Remington Kleanbore). These primers are all weaker than standard shotshell 209 primers and do not provide adequate ignition for Blackhorn 209 ”“ especially when used in a poorly designed breech plug system.

And this is in their FAQ section:

NO. #11 percussion caps, or musket caps do not have sufficient strength to ignite Blackhorn 209.

 

[elk_chaser1]

Unfortunately, I have tried the various subs in my side lock with mixed results. Real BP is the way to go, but is getting harder for me to find locally.

 

[Patocazador]

BlackHorn 209 is called 209 for a reason. A 209-type primer is needed to ignite the charge. Actually, any centerfire primer will do it.

I know this because I have tried many times to ignite it in my Ruger Old Army. The only way to get it to work is to use a duplex load of 3F or 4F followed by the BlackHorn 209. Even then the results are iffy.

If you use it remember to reduce your loads 30% by weight. BlackHorn is like 777 in that it is a smokeless powder modified to satisfy the feds.

 

[Carl323]

Thanks to all for the info. I'll stick to Pyrodex and hunt for some of the real blackpowder. It should be designated FFG, right?

 

I don't use fakes.
What do you have against real bp?

Edit: Oops! I see you live in California. Sorry for the scarcasm. Still can't help.

Your sarcasm is not only unwarranted, you're grossly misinformed. People in California can get all the Black Powder they wish. :shake:

 

[Patocazador]

But they can't hunt with it much longer. :td: I don't remember when the new law takes effect.

 

[Scota4570]

Blackhorn 209 is a bulk smokeless powder. It is fine used as directed in in-lines. It intrigues me as a cast bullet cartridge powder. Not suitable for traditional muzzleloaders.
http://www.blackhorn209.com/faqs/

 

[Ken Cormier]

Never had any luck with subs

 

[coloradoclyde]

I have reliably and faithfully used pryrodex P over the years with excellent success. Over the last year I have been using Black MZ for percussion rifle, shotgun and BP shotshells with good success.
Black powder”¦.always works.
I was getting hang fires with Black MZ and did have to open up the nipple flash hole a little bit on my percussion shotgun though.

 

[jamesthomas]

But they can't hunt with it much longer. :td: I don't remember when the new law takes effect.

The new law only prohibits lead projectiles, I haven't heard anything about California outlawing Blackpowder.

 

[just4fun63]

Black Powder is still ok in Ca. They nailed us by banning all lead. If you want to hunt you have to find a non lead substute. Lead is still Ok for target shooting.
Someone invent a non lead round ball please.

 

[jamesthomas]

Well, you do have 5 years before the ban affects the whole state. But I would hunt with a lead round ball anyway. How are they going to check? make you pull the round? I betcha the game wardens aren't going to be carrying around ball pullers for muzzleloaders.

 

[mooman76]

[/quote]
People in California can get all the Black Powder they wish. :shake: [/quote]

It was my understanding that in California you could not possess more than 1# of real BP at any time. Is this not correct? Also if you know where to get the real BP there, please post where as people from California are always asking where to find it.

 

[Zonie]

I've read a number of California laws and quite frankly they are all confusing. :shocked2:

There is references to a 1 pound limit but there are other laws that give other, larger values.

The laws are a mishmash referencing other laws which reference other laws which give exceptions .
I don't know if anyone in that State actually knows the answer. If they do, I've never seen them tell the rest of the world.

I haven't heard of any black powder shooter in California being arrested for having more than one pound of powder and until I do, I'm going to guess the black powder shooter can have more than a pound. :v

 

[Rifleman1776]

Thanks to all for the info. I'll stick to Pyrodex and hunt for some of the real blackpowder. It should be designated FFG, right?

Really, 3Fg (FFFg) is more versitile and easier to clean. It has become the (almost) standard for avid ml'ers. No law or rule there but I think you will be more pleased with it.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I haven't heard of any black powder shooter in California being arrested for having more than one pound of powder and until I do

Maybe the case. But, like so many firearms restrictive laws, it makes a criminal out of the honest citizen. I could go ff and give you a few thousand more words on this hot subject. But won't.......today. :wink: