209's vs number 11's

[demented]

I'm not all that serious in respect to hunting with muzzle loaders, hence the rifle I use is an old Wolverine with #11 caps.  I may hunt more this year than my usual two days, so I'm wondering if I'd gain any real performance by changing to 209 ignition system?  I hunt from a stand located deep in a wooded area, 75 yards would be considered a long shot.  I use TC Cheap shot Sabots powered by two fifty grain Pyrodex pellets.  Also, are any of the new, so called black powder substitute powders worth trying?  I've useed both Pyrodex and Triple 7, so far.

[Wolfhound]

209's are more weather resistant. I read about a test where a writer soaked #11's, Musket Caps, and 209's in water and none of the 209's failed to fire. Both the #11's and Musket caps had failures. I realize no one soaks their primers in water before hunting but it's nice to know that your 209's are weather resistant.

As for the powder, Pyrodex and Triple Seven are the better powders.

[K.K]

No contest. 209 primers are the way to go for reliable ignition, especially with pellets and foul weather. Remember, that's what sparks the shells in wet duck blinds.

[gt2003]

Now, let's talk about real life situations....I've been in some wet muzzleloader seasons but nothing that ever compared to soaking a cap in water.  So, that seems more like hype than anything else.  Also, read more about accuracy of #11 caps and small rifle primers versus the 209 primers.  I still use a #11 primer in a knight wolverine and won't change to a 209 simply because my primers always have worked.  Think about it, once the primer is on the nipple, what are the chances of the darn thing actually getting water in it?  Slim and none.  It fits pretty tight on the nipple and the water would have to fight like hell to get under it.  Now, I've had water get down the barrel and get the powder wet, MY FAULT!!!, I should have put a finger cot or saran wrap over the end of the barrel to stop the water.  But, it was no fault of the primer.  Just my thoughts.  If you want to hunt submerged, go with the 209 I guess.  Good luck.