finally got around to shooting it!

[ronp]

I finally got to try out my new 50 cal Huntsman barrel today.  With everyone's advice, I bought a carrierless plug from Nick, a new ram rod from Mr. Hubbard, and picked up some Blackhorn 209 powder.  I put a cheap 1.5 - 4 scope on it.  All I can say is WOW!  This shoots awesome and I could not be happier.  No mis-fires or delayed ignition.  Thanks Nick.  I didn't use any o-ring, because I couldn't close the breech with one in.  But I don't see why I need an o-ring.  The ramrod worked perfect, as well.  And that Blackhorn is something else.  I wiped the barrel a few times, thinking I am breaking it in.  I am glad I tried this powder.  I was going to use up my old Pyrodex pellets that I have had for about 3 years, but decided against it.  Good decision, huh?  Anyway, within about 10  or 12 shots (from 70 yards) I was right around the bullseye, and I am a lousy shot.  I ended up using 70 grains of powder and 240 grain Hornaday sabots.  Does this seem like a good combination?  I kind of like it.  So, thanks everyone for the advice I asked for a couple months ago.  This site has been great and I am grateful for the help!!!  Now I just have to wait about 5 weeks for deer season.
Ron

[Nick Allen]

Did you get the 5/8" or the 7/8" plug? That is strange that you could not close your gun with the o-ring.............. That sort of lends me to believe that you have the 7/8" plug..... If you do, and you want to utilize the o-ring, you may need to drill the primer pocket a bit deeper.  It requires a 6.2mm drill. 

Using the o-ring will eliminate all crap on the breech face. You can keep shooting it like that though. It will just allow some soot to get on the breech.

Your powder charge seems a bit lite. I would at least bump it to 90 gr's with that light of a bullet. Just a side note I shoot 85 gr's og BH 209 with a 300 gr bullet.

But, if you are happy with the accuracy of that load then by all means stick with it.

I hope this post is of some help

Nick

[Busta]

ronp,

Let me guess, Winchester W209 Primers? They are the longest primers, .005" to .010" longer than everything else. Might try some Federal 209A, CCI, or CCI 209M primers and see if she will close up for you. 70 grains of BH209 is about the equivalent to 82 to 83 grains of Black Powder or Pyrodex. I would say that 80 to 90 grains for hunting if the accuracy is still there, if not 70 will still do you fine under 100 yards.

[ronp]

Thanks guys.  The primers I used are Winchester W209.  And I have the 5/8" plug.  I will pick up some more, as I need more anyway.  I will try a little heavier load when I get the new primers.  I did use up to 80 grains for one or two shots and the accuracy wasn't affected.  I'll try 90 and see.  Thanks again for the help!