700ML & Blackhorn Test
 

Well I wanted to give BH in my 700ML another test before my Christmas hunt. As you probably know, the 700ML is NOT BH approved. However, I have a lot of confidence in the gun so I felt it would work just fine. Last time I used regular Winchester 209 primers and though they worked, I had a couple shots that there was a very slight hangfire. So this time I decided to try Remington STS primers and see how they worked.

I went to the load I'll be using on the hunt this weekend, 80g BH, .430 300g XTP in a Crush Rib.

Perfect ignition! I shot 6 rounds to see if after a few shots the BP would start to close up and I would get some hangfires, but not so. I was also quite pleased with the accuracy. There was a decent breeze blowing and still was able to keep a decent group. After I shot those six, I decided to adjust the scope and head back to the house. One shot to confirm it and I packed up.



It was about 35 degrees this morning. I think it'll be a little colder in VA and probably raining/snowing/sleeting so it should be a good test as to how reliable it is.

If it does work well, I fear I will have shot my last load of 777 in this gun...

That sure is some good shooting there. You could not ask more from a rifle. Glad to hear the powder is working for you.

Hey TN, two demerits for posting a target without telling us the range :s2: (good shooting, regardless). Good luck on the hunt.

I would recommend CCI209m for cold weather. Blackhorn is a wonderful powder but it does require strong ignition in some guns in cold weather.

Double posted somehow...

Semi - Sorry about that. It was at 50. Most of my shooting is done at 50 since most places I hunt you can't see more than 60-70 yards.

Leymone - The CCI's and Federal 209A's were giving me hang fires because I think they were pushing the charge before it ignited. I don't invision it being too cold so that I will have a problem but I could be wrong.

TNHagies

I would like to confirm your findings... both of these primer would give me a hang fire on occasions from my regular Rem 700ml. I switched to Cheddite 209 and all worked very well.

WHich breech plug do you have on now? The newer one that is totally enclosed or the older one that is not totally enclosed. I have the older one that is not enclosed and had no luck with BH. Going to order the newer one that is totally enclosed.

What type of ballistics are you getting with 80gr?

It's the Cabela's conversion. Yeah the Remington version is crap in my opinion. There was a guy at the range this morning shooting his and he was getting hangfires shooting Pyrodex. I made his day by introducing him to the new ones.