Author Topic: Which rifles are capable of using Blackhorn 209?  (Read 1308 times)

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Offline carbineman

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Which rifles are capable of using Blackhorn 209?
« on: December 20, 2008, 04:53:50 AM »
I was thinking about another/a different muzzleloader. I would like one capable of using a 209 sealed system so as to give the BH 209 a try. I presently own a NEF sidekick and dislike the clean up after just 2 or 3 shots with Triple7. I looked at the CVA Wolf and one other one at the store on Thursday. The place was busy and the "guy" who is the MZ expert was on his day off, so I didn't find out much.

I am not a muzzleloader sort of guy, just a guy who uses a muzzleloader to extend his hunting season. I really wouldn't justify spending a bunch of bucks on the cream of the crop but maybe something in the $200 and down range might be attractive to me. I shot my sidekick 20 times this year, and cleaned it 12 times. Did I mention cleaning it is a pain? ;D I'd like to get away from some of that.........

Offline ILHunter

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Re: Which rifles are capable of using Blackhorn 209?
« Reply #1 on: December 20, 2008, 05:31:30 AM »
Why couldn't you shoot BH209 through your huntsman w/ a reg. CCI 209 primer in the carrier?
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Offline Buckskins & Black Powder

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Re: Which rifles are capable of using Blackhorn 209?
« Reply #2 on: December 20, 2008, 07:23:55 AM »
the wolf will work with BH209, along with the optima-optima elite and the new Accura.

Offline Busta

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Re: Which rifles are capable of using Blackhorn 209?
« Reply #3 on: December 20, 2008, 07:24:58 AM »
The Huntsman/Sidekick is not a very good choice for shooting Blackhorn 209. I have done some extensive testing with mine, sporatic ignition at best with 209's, .25 ACP w/Small Rifle Primers. The Small Rifle MAGNUM Primers will work better, but only with tight fitting sabots.

If you are just looking for a cleaner breech, the .25 ACP conversion will all but eliminate blowback into the breech. I would say it is 95% effective at doing that as long as your brass is right.

The Wolf will shoot BH209, their plug is of the right design.

The main thing with BH209 is a tight primer and a tight bullet (saboted bullets are easier). If you don't have the tight fits, you will be leaking pressure and will either get a delayed/hang-fire or no ignition. You just can't hunt with a gun that isn't going to go "bang" the instant you pull the trigger.

If you like your Sidekick, I would try the .25 ACP conversion, you can shoot just about any powder with almost no blow-back. Then if you want to try BH209 you can.

I could get acceptable ignition some of the time with the 209 carriers IF I used a brand new one on each shot. Of course that would not be feasable to do all the time. Once they are fired they start to wash out from the blowback gas cutting, and they get worse with every shot. The BH209 needs a good hot ignition that seals itself to maintain flame and pressure for instant ignition. If you use a loose bullet, you lose pressure and will get poor results also.

Compatable out-of-the-box rifles would include ALL of the inline T/C's: Endeaver, Pro-Hunter, Encore, Omega, Z-5.

The CVA's such as the Accura, Optima Elite/Pro, Kodiak/Pro, Wolf.

Traditions Pursuit/II.

Knight Disc LRH/Extreme/Elite, KP1, Vision with the right plugs.

Several others can also be made to work, but it seems that T/C's designs work the best accross the board.

My NEF Huntsman works well on BH209 with the custom 209 plug, but I wouldn't waste my time on the primer carriers again.
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Offline Keith Lewis

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Re: Which rifles are capable of using Blackhorn 209?
« Reply #4 on: December 20, 2008, 07:48:05 AM »
The other thing that seems to be a factor is the length of plug from the primer to the front face. The new Knight KRB (Rolling Block) does not shoot BH209 well even though the lockup is solid and even with tight sabots there is delay. The plug is very long compared with my T/C Omega plugs that do work. I think Knight is going to have to make a plug that has a very deep recess to shorten up the length for the flame to travel from the primer. It may be a BH209 only plug when they finally recognize what it is going to take to make the KRB work with it. I considered making the alteration to one of my plugs but the way the stock plug is made the small diameter hole does not have enough length to allow cutting a deep recess in the face without breaking into the large diameter channel below the primer.

Offline carbineman

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Re: Which rifles are capable of using Blackhorn 209?
« Reply #5 on: December 20, 2008, 02:22:09 PM »
Busta, I have the 25 ACP conversion already. I'll try the BH209 with it. I have used CCI 450's and with Triple 7 had problems with them igniting the load. I have not had a problem with the Remington 7 1/2. I don't patch mine between shots I just take out the plug every two shots and clean it all up again. I am using the 200 grain Dead Centers so I can give the Blackhorn a try after my triple 7 can runs low.

Offline bikerbeans

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Re: Which rifles are capable of using Blackhorn 209?
« Reply #6 on: March 08, 2009, 06:56:03 AM »
The Rossi muzzleloader works fine with Blackhorn 209.  Been shooting this gun with BP209 for over a month at the range and have immediate ignition everytime.  Shooting Barnes & Hornady bullets with Harvestor Rib Crush sabots.  Loads real easy and cleans real easy.
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Offline Busta

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Re: Which rifles are capable of using Blackhorn 209?
« Reply #7 on: March 08, 2009, 07:16:23 AM »
I guess we can add the Huntsman and Sidekick to this list now with a Metrics Unlimited breech plug.  ;)
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