What is the best powder?

[DonVathome]

I have been using Pyrodex loose powder for decades. I do not care if it is loose powder or pellets. I shoot a Remington 700ML. I shoot 120 grains of powder and TC Shockwave bullets.

I want the most reliable (igniting instantly) and less corrosive.

What are you thoughts?

 

[elkhunterUT]

I used Pyrodex for years until I tried Blackhorn 209 powder. I will never go back. BH 209 is cleaner and seems to burn hotter with faster velocities. It is more expensive, but better than pyrodex in my opinion.

 

[DonVathome]

I do not shoot nearly enough to care about cost. I have heard it is harder to ignite? Do you use the same volume as pyrodex?

 

[elkhunterUT]

My load is 100 grains by volume (70 grains by weight) of BH 209 with a 300 grain Hornady XTP bullet using CCI 209 Magnum primer.
Most guys that use BH209 recommend the magnum primer. I have never had a misfire or challenge igniting the charge and the load is a killer. I shot a big Utah bull with this load this year and dropped him in his tracks - works for me!

 

[shootem]

Blackhorn is awesome!

 

[DH56]

BH 209- I have used most and Black Horn performed best for me over the last 10 years or so. It's much cleaner and less cleaning is needed between shots along with good consistent accuracy results in my TC Encore.

Blackhorn 209 – Hodgdon Powder Company

www.blackhorn209.com

 

[Bluehair]

Another vote for BH 209. Be prepared for sticker shock.

 

[txhunter58]

I also love my BH 209. You will have the primer issue figured out long before going afield. If there is a problem with that, you will have it at the range. It does require a snug fitting bullet, but you already have that.

And I also vote on leaving rifle in truck. That is regardless of what powder. The condensation can lead to rust if nothing else.

 

[DonVathome]

Thanks!

 

[DonVathome]

By volume if I am now shooting 120 grains Pyrodex RS what is the equivalent with BH 209?

 

[Bluehair]

I used to be a T7 100-110 grain guy (v). Now I'm a 95 grain bh209 guy. I could use more I suppose, but I've never taken a ml shot over 75 yards. I want to say my 95 grains weighs 71.

Almost the same.

 

[nmarchr]

Blackhorn 209

 

[pushin_30]

BH209

 

[txhunter58]

You shouldn’t need over 110 gr. My elk load is 90-95 gr

 

[BIGJOHNT]

So I guess you got the message. I changed to BH 209 last year. Good stuff.

 

[txhunter58]

To answer your question more directly, add 15% to your volume of Blackhorn 209 to get approximately the same power as pyrodex. So somewhere between 100-105 gr BH 209 would be the same power as 120 gr pyrodex

 

[DonVathome]

Really good info guys thanks!