Wow
 

I just watched a clip today on the outdoor channel about muzzleloaders and barrel obstructions. Using different MLs, Alan Trambil and another gentleman loaded the first one with smokeless powder. Another was loaded as normal with 150 gr of BP but the bullet was only seated 1/2 way down the barrel (mid barrel obstruction) and the 3rd was properly loaded the the muzzle was dunked into a cup of mud simulating fall without being removed.
The results were pretty dramatic. The MLs used were all inlines, a bolt action I didn't get the name of, a break open and a CVA Optima.
All 3 rifles literally exploded. The Optima with the mud in the end of the muzzle split the barrel with the top portion coming off at the breech. The bolt action with the smokeless powder as well as the mid bore obstruction exploded into too many pieces to count.
Please be careful out there. I wouldn't want to hear of any of you guys getting hurt. Don't get sidetracked when shooting - especially during the loading process.

NEVER! and Thank's for the Info ;)

I know of two (2) barrels that have ruptured this year. One shooter lost a thumb, the other was unhurt.

WITNESS MARKS ARE A REQUIREMENT, not an option.

Even not getting a bullet fully seated on the propellant, can cause a barrel bulge. IMO at that point, its time for a new barrel to be safe. Any bulge has weakened the barrel.

Thanks for the reminder. We all need that from time to time. I like to think I am very careful about barrel obstructions and seated projectiles.

Another thing I have begun demanding is when I am on the firing line loading my rifle, I don't want anyone talking to me or asking questions. I find I have made more near stupid mistakes at that time of the process. When friends are over, I remind them... I'm loading and therefore out of bounds to everyone.

Same here!

I shortseated a bullet one time and only one time. Luckily it was with BH 209. All that happened was the powder didn't explode, but the bullet popped out of the muzzle and landed about 15 ft from me. Boy was I lucky I was using BH 209 that day!!

Never have used that powder. Could you explain to me why it would react any differently than any other muzzle loading propellant? Not trying to start an argument here I really am just curious.Thanks

It takes some compression to fire. Unlike BP and all other subs.

So the chemical make of BP, and similar subs are similar?

The chemical make of Blackhorn is very different than BP, and the other subs?

Never said BP and the subs were the same, except they'll fire with no compression. BH won't.

Check the MSDS sheets:

https://www.hodgdon.com/msds.html

http://www.blackhorn209.com/specs/msds/

Blackhorn 209 is basically a smokeless propellant, with additives that classify it as a BP substitute (in most states).

Yes, we know that.

The MSDS was to help answer Ron's questions.

I'm sure he knows too. I posted the MSDS on MM. Didn't you see it?

It's funny. I was saying BH was a form of smokeless powder 3 years ago, and almost got hung for saying it. Now everybody accepts it.

Most seasoned shooters knew that when it came out. All the custom shooter knew it. I will say though, IMO its the best substitute made.

It works good, but the price still rubs me wrong.

Thanks for the info and I completely agree with the above statement as far as cost goes.

Price??????? Holy Smokes Muley!

You should be shooting T7M pellets, 3 of them with each shot and BH will sound like its a bargain! I've already sent 500 rounds through the new muzz this year and if it wasn't so close to the season, I'd still be shooting.

$29 for 50 T7M pellets and I get 16 loads.

$35 for 10oz of BH and I could get 43 loads.

You should of bought a rifle that shoots BH209. LOL.

Hey guys - I know it's hard at your age - but let's focus on the post topic and stop going off on your tangents. LOL
Point is PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU'RE DOING WHEN LOADING YOUR MUZZY.

Had one that shot 3/4" groups at 200yds but sold it for one that shoots 3.250" groups at 400 yards.

Yes, the pellets are even worse. At least they can say it cost a lot to make the pellets. No idea if that's true, or not.

BH shouldn't cost anymore than any other smokeless to make. I've never seen any smokeless powder that only comes with only 10oz.

One advantage I have by shooting close is I don't need heavy loads of BH. So, I save some money. 80gr is plenty for my distances. I know 100gr loads is 62 loads from a bottle. I'm doing better than that. You must be using 110-120?

What more do you want to say about it?

Why didn't you get one that shot 3.250" groups at 400 yards that also shot BH209? Sounds like that would of been a win-win.

100grs by WEIGHT...... 143 grs VOLUME

Not shooting it any more, cut a breech plug. Probably my fault.

You made my shoulder ache.

It ain't that bad. You won't go out and shoot 30 to 50 rounds per session without a lead sled though.

I made my own mistake, one not made for a long time. I loaded a bullet without propellant that I had to pull. Witness marks are a requirement.

I just noticed the gun you're using. Try that load in a 6 1/4lb Wolf. It will smack you upside the head.

Just add a brake. Actually the Carbon Xpress, the lightest of the rifles, shoots with less recoil.

I don't really need it. My style is as close as possible in dark timber. 80gr has more than enough energy at my max distance. (75 yds)

I do the same. Good advice.