Powders

gunrac · 08-12-2010, 03:10 AM

I've already made the decision to give the Blackhorn a go for my newly aquired Optima. I'm just getting lazy an tired of all the cleaning that goes along with using the Pyro.

Is there any advantage using 777 over Pyro. RS? [loose] I've have used the Pyro. for several years, and finding myself nearly out of it. I haven't tried the 777 before. I picked up a Buckhorn for a galpal of mine an need set her up in supply's. Headin to the local gun store after while.

Oh boy! Think I just opened up a can of worm's. Wife just called, an I told her what I was up to. She just asked if I would pick her up a box of 25's. Hmmm.

I'm glad they like each other.

lemoyne · 08-12-2010, 05:15 AM

777 has the advantage of more potential energy than pyrodex, and the disadvantage of crud ring which make pyrodex look like an easy clean up.
Blackhorn has the advantage of potential energy with heavy bullets it is stronger than 777, it also has the advantage of not cleaning while shooting it does not load harder or loose accuracy I have shoot all day with no problem but it should be cleaned before putting the gun away. Its dis advantage is price. I buy mine from Powder Valley by the case for 24 a can + shipping and hazmat ends up costing 27 which is the best I have found.

cayugad · 08-12-2010, 05:31 AM

Like Lee said.. all powders have good and bad points. Personally I like Pyrodex. I also like 777 and Blackhorn 209 though. With Pyrodex, even though you have to clean the rifle at the end of the day, and it is dirty, so what! I clean all my rifles at the end of the day, no matter what powder I use. If one powder takes me five minutes more to clean at the end of the day, then it takes me five minutes more. With 777 there is a nasty crud ring, but it cleans easy. With Blackhorn you have to use solvents to clean, and that breech plug, when I used Blackhorn, was a real PITA to clean to my specifications. I was picking the vent hole for quite a while to get that thing cleared.

As for the extra power part that powders love to brag about. I think that is all over rated. Now granted, a good powerful load is wonderful. But do you really think 200 fps is going to make the difference in the world. I say use a powder that had a charge able to get the job done and is the most accurate and cost effective. If I am hunting deer in my area, 80 grains of any powder is plenty. I do not need any powder simply because it has a little more energy down range.

Clean up and swabbing.. again a necessary evil. Now it is nice to sit on a range and shoot all day without swabbing. I hate to swab a rifle. One reason I bought a White Rifle. But if I have to swab, I have to swab. In hot weather it is not such a big deal because the rifle has to cool off anyway.

What I am getting at is... if you have a rifle that shoots well with a certain powder, but decided to try other powders, thats fine. It is always fun to shoot new things. But I would never change powders simply because one took longer to clean.

You will like 777 and Blackhorn powder. Both are excellent, powerful, and work well in most muzzleloaders.

builder459 · 08-12-2010, 10:59 AM

Does bass pro shops carry BH 209? we dont have a cabelas near but we do have a bass pro shop..i really want to try this in my triumph...thanks

txhunter58 · 08-13-2010, 05:49 PM

My bass pro has it.........for $44.50 !!!

Someone said that they took an add from Cabelas in (advetizing for $29.99) and they matched it. Haven't tried that yet.

gunrac · 08-14-2010, 05:20 AM

I picked up a jug of BH. May give it a go today. I never had any reason to get into shootin heavy loads. I don't forsee any big game trips and the 240 XTP's running 1600 to 1800 FPS will put any of our Ohio deer down, if I do my part. It was running 32.99 .

I'm expecting only a slight POI change at most. I'm sure I'm going like the idea of not swabbing in between shot's. I'm still workin up a good load for a newly aquired 243. Shooting both guns for a range session, will be a treat.

Also decided to stick with the Pyro. Select for the Buckhorn. As mentioned, there is no reason for heavy loads around my area. Besides that, the Pyro. was 12.99. The 777 was running 17.99