Converting from #11's to Musket to 209's????

[st8tman]

I have an original Knight MK-85 that has truly been good to me through the years! It has always been a straight shooter, but let me down several years ago on a nice buck.  For whatever reason the #11 cap misfired on a rather moist day. Thereafter I converted to the Musket Cap set-up and all was well. Don't ask me why, but this past year I decided to "upgrade" to the more reliable 209 system.  Thats when my accuracy seemed to go out the window. Typically I had shot 100grns Pyrodex Select. The knight 260's as well as Barnes MZ 250's had been my bread and butter. Now after exhaustive shooting with everything I could get my hands on, the only load I can get to group AT-ALL is 90grns Select and Powerbelt 348's. I have maintained this gun throughoughly since new in 1990. The bases rings and scope are all rock solid!! I have another Knight new in the box(Disc Elite) but am determined to get this ole baby to "rise again"! Just curious if any of you folks could add some insight to my dilemma? Or have ever heard of such problems? Thank you in advance for your time!

[rickyp]

you troubles may stem from using the 209 primers, a lot of T/C owners have the same troubles.most think the 209 is too hot.
switch back to the #11 or musket caps and see how it shoots.

Just a thought I have never had troubles with my knight LK93 using real black powder and #11 caps. you really need to keep the #11 nipple clean and free of trash when you clean the breach plug it is a good idea to soak the nipple in what ever cleaner you are using. ANY primer can fail to go off if exposed to enough moisture and or gun oils

[DavidKansas]

If you do not want to switch back yet you might try the new ML 209 primers . They are a reduced charge primer just for the muzzleloaders. I gave them a try awhile back and they do seem to make a diffrence. Just my .02 cents worth.

[st8tman]

I appreciate the replies guys! I kinda have taken both of your advice. Today I did in fact purchase a pack of the triple7 primers and figured I would give them a try with various loads and rounds. However I also broke down and bought a new Knight Red-Hot Musket nipple just in case things don't work out. Thanks again.

[mantihunter]

I was having problems when I switched to 209s also. Then I tried musket caps in both my T/C Black Diamond and my Knight Bighorn and Voila!, all was well again. I think the 209s, even Remington's muzzleloader 209s, produce too much flame to get through the nipple's orifice and into the breechplug. I always had a lot of blowback. Musket caps seem to produce just the right amount of flame for loose 777 or Pyrodex pellets. Yesterday, I shot the Bighorn with 110 grs. volume measured FFFg 777, 250 gr. Shock Wave and a CCI musket cap and they shot into less than 1 1/2". Switching to the 209s, the groups opened up to close to 3" and there was much more fouling in the action of the gun. I swab with a wet and dry patch between each shot.
Hope this helps,
Mantihunter
 

[slayer]

With the power of the 209`s and a light bullet, sometimes the powder doesn`t fully burn and the pressures don`t build up enough. with 209`s, use very heavy bullets with the 348`s being a starting point. I use the Variflame adaptor with my NEF Sidekick with small pistol primers and it works great. The SPP`s are low power compared to the 209`s and work great. Jack.