Blackhorn trials update
 

I took the BP that Don from Western Powders sent me. The flash hole is noticeably larger than that in my BP. It fired, but I still had to clean with a drill bit after every shot to ensure instant ignition. I shot 3-shot groups of 90, 100, and 110 grains of BH209 under 240gr XTP bullets from Hornady and T/C. None of those loads would print under 2" at 50 yards. I guess my gun just doesn't like the XTP's, which is disappointing. Maybe I will try some other sabots sometime. I loaded 90gr of BH and tried a 250gr SST low-drag. 3 shots almost touching at 50. The Shockwaves (even with the longer sabots) dropped in the same hole as the Hornadys. I moved back to 100 and got a group of about 2". Not what I was hoping for, but it will definitely work for a 100 yard hunting load. When I get some more bullets I will try 100 and 110 grains to see how they do.

Also, I can't wait to get ahold of Ron's plug to try out. Hearing BANG every time I pull the trigger without playing with a drill bit is going to be a plus!

rw

Try dropping down to 70-80grs of BH for 240 XTP's.

use the drill bit between shots, i seriously have shrunk a 7/8" group @ 100 yards with the 245gr powerbelts, to where they will now touch.

I figure, if you allow the barrel to cool down a few minutes between shots " which helps greatly with accuracy" why not keep the flames flash channel consistent?

Once that flash channel gets a shot through it, its already being reduced in size so again, wheres the consistency in that?

I HAD to use the drill bit between every shot. I tried not doing it and it resulted in a hangfires. There was no ignition problem when I used the drill and a torch tip cleaner between shots, and I peeked through the BP to make sure I could see daylight through it before loading. Oh well, Ron's BP should be here before too long and hopefully I won't have any more issues!

As far as the lighter loads for the XTP's, I'll give it a try when I get a chance. I didn't figure going higher than 110 would help anything, but never thought about going less than 90. It might be just what they need. Thanks :)

rw

hunt12ga

Which primer are you using?

I'm using the CCI 209M's

I just got my new BP in the mail from Ron, so hopefully my troubles have ended!

rw

hunt12ga

This is going to sound crazy and off the wall, but here goes. I am going to suggest you got to a milder 209.

One of the ML I shoot is a Remingt 700ml - plunger gun with an open sided 209 nipple and a very small 'flash hole'. If I use the Fed 209a or the CCI-209M - it will hang fire quite often.... the problem the 209a and the 209m just put out to much gas and debris - it gets clogged up at the flash hole and can not get throught until it looses some pressure. Yet on the other hand if I use a Rem STS or a regular CCI the gun shoots BH great.

So... I am thinking if you clean the BP - you might try a cooler primer and see what might happen.

But... if you are getting a RL breech plug maybe all of your problems will be cured.

Got a request for you to think about.... if Ron's BP works for you, would you send me your old one and let me modify it? Then I will mail it back to you and I would like you to try it and see if it works for you.

thanks - mike

Sure thing Sabot. I'll try (almost) anything. It may be a while before I get to tinker for a while. I'll be hunting the next couple of weekends, and I never get off work through the week before dark.

I have 3 now... My original, the one Don from Blackhorn sent me, and now the RL plug.

rw

hunt12ga

Send me your Original if you could - that would be a good one to modifiy.

Wish I knew the head space I would give that a shot also.

Sabotloader ive had the same experience with some plugs. If they dont have adequate volume and/or fit then the mags dont make it better. The only thing i found that the mags helped with in mine were with the Knight FPJs....and only if you kept it clean.

Normal primers such as the Win209 have given the best overall results in the largest variety of my guns and plugs. I got a lot of shots out of a new OEM CVA type plug with them before i started getting hangfires. I dont think my old WinApex ever did but it was a bit dirty. Using CCI209Ms ive had a couple of hang fires on a totally clean used plug.

I didnt have any hangfires with any modded plug. All the vent liner styles and Ron's Omega type plug were 100%.