RE: BackHorn 209..."Just a Gimmick?"
What works for one, doesn't always work for all. As long as you cleaned all the shipping grease and crap out of the barrel before using it, i really dont know whats wrong. Bh209 cleans up real easy with Hoppe's out of all my Muzzleloaders. If you are falling all instructions i would call them and complain about your powder. You might of got a bad batch. Or just quit using it.
I think they will send you some powder to correct your problems. Keep us posted on what you choose to do.