This post will be a work in progress, I will add new information as I go along so check back for updates. I am really excited about this plug, and figured there would be several others that would want them too. This is a must, if you want to shoot Blackhorn 209 reliably out ot the Huntsman/Sidekick.
Finally, a one piece carrierless 209 breech plug for the H&R/NEF Huntsman/Sidekick. This breech plug headspaces off the rim of the 209 primer similar to the Hubbard plug. It is easily installed/removed with a ½” socket or nut driver for the hex head. Only 5/8” plugs are available presently, but there is a possibility that they may look into the 7/8” plugs if these do well, and I would think demand would drive their decision.
I have had one of these pre-production plugs for about a week now. My testing has been limited to function only at this point, as I have only shot it into spots on my snow covered berm from my garage. My Leupold Ultimate Slam scope has only been eye-ball bore sighted, but is very close.
My function testing was conducted with Federal 209A primers, 80 grains Blackhorn 209, and a T/C Cheap Shot. I had instant ignition every time. They have done testing with standard Winchester and Remington Kleanbore primers, 85 grains 777, and a 300 grain Hornady saboted bullet.
Although my testing has been limited at this time, I will be doing some accuracy testing as soon as time and weather permits. It was minus 8 F here last night, and the wind chill has been unbearable for shooting lately.
I have made a couple suggestions, and both were incorporated into the production plug. One was clean up some tooling marks that were machined into the top of the plug while cutting the hex head, the other was a simple o-ring option in the bottom of the pocket. This shows me they are willing to work with us, and aim to please. These breech plugs were machined on a CNC Lathe, and they have made a limited run at this time, so if you want one of these, you might not want to drag your feet to long. They have advised me that the price will be $28.50 shipped in the U.S., I think that is very reasonable considering they had to program the CNC. My Hubbard plug cost $35, and this one is far better and easier to clean being one piece IMO.
With my particular rifle, I fired a Federal 209A, one of if not the hottest 209's out there, it left some soot on the standing breech. First I was trying to figure out a shim, but I think I found the perfect alternative. I did this same exact thing with my Hubbard plug. I inserted an o-ring into the bottom of the primer pocket, this filled the gap in front of the primer, gave me about .015" crushable length between the primer rim and the plug, and allowed me to headspace off the front of the primer. This acts as a gasket and keeps the primer fouling where it should be, and blowback was almost non-existant.
These are all Federal 209A primers, need the hottest for Blackhorn 209. These were fired with no powder to check for seal. Left, Unfired; Middle, Fired with my o-ring mod (approximate measurements, O.D. .285", I.D. .145", Thickness .070"); right, headspacing off the rim (have a slight couple thousandths gap when locked up tight). The o-ring is a compression fit, but works better that way and stays put until you want to remove it for cleaning.
I also did a little unscientific test to check the primer pressure (no powder) going through the barrel with and without the o-ring. The muzzle was approximately 12" from the snow when fired. The one on the left is with the o-ring, the one on the right without.
This is a comparison of the standard NEF plug with primer carrier and the carrierles 209 plug.
This is the first 3 Federal 209A primers after my function test using the o-ring modification with 80 grains BH209 and the T/C Cheap Shot. Notice how clean they are, just a hint of smoke/soot on the standing breech. Two of the primer needed a little coaxing to remove, the other came out with fingers. I have since polished the inside of the primer pocket to make it a little smoother, this should help in that matter.
O-Ring installed.
This is a pic of plug and Federal 209A primer, no o-ring.
This is a pic of plug and Federal 209A primer with o-ring installed. Notice the slight gap, giving a crushable few thousandths, to help adjust for any variances in tolerances.
Please note, that this plug can be used with or without the o-ring.
The Carrierless 209 Breech Plug for NEF Sidekick Contact information: Call 1-800-638-7986, ask for Nick, or e-mail sales@metricsunlimited.com . Monday-Friday, open until 5:00 PM, EST. Not sure when they open, but I’m sure 9:00 AM, EST would be a safe bet.
