Powder vs. Pellets? Top bullets? For Muzzleloaders

[Union Co. Boy]

I shoot a 200 grain T/C Shockwave over 120 grains of BH209 out of my T/C Pro Hunter. I truly can't ask for any better performance. I have seen every deer drop so far. They normally don't take a step. Muzzleloaders can be finicky, as we all know. Mine seems to love this combination.

 

[Chiflyguy]

I use 2 IMR white hotts and 295g Powerbelts.
1.5" at 160 yds

 

[Carlos]

I've used Pyrodex pellets, and the 240 grain XTP's for the last 15 years. This year I've swapped over to Blackhorn but still shooting the XTP's.

With the Blackhorn powder you need to change out the factory breech plug with one that's designed for the powder. You also need to use the 209 magnum primers with it.

I drew 2 (quota) muzzleloader hunts for this year, excited to try this new setup out on something besides targets.

 

[arkwaterfowler]

I shoot a TC pro hunter with 100 grains of BH209 and Parker bullets. The 327 grain Parker has a BC over 0.6 and gives you a 200 yard gun. Of course the recoil is high and you have to practice. Shoots 1-1.5 moa.

 

[redblood]

AA5744

 

[knightrider]

Loose triple 7 and 240 grain xtp, i have had better luck with xtp than anything else

 

[UTGrad]

I shoot 100 grains loose BH209 and Powerbelt Aerolite 300 grains. Shot this load through my Chrono. I weigh charges by volume but if I wanted to get the lowest variations in velocity per shot, I could weight them on a powder scale. I get a little under 1" groups at 100 yards.

 

[ghostfive]

Loose. Pellets can vary + or minus 5 gr which honestly might not matter at the ranges most of us shoot. But I want consistency so I weigh loose 777.

 

[Bell3wv]

Anybody use Hodgon Pyrodex?

I use it in my TC Hawken. It's good, just a lil smelly at clean up. Aim small. Miss small.

 

[TNWhit3tail]

Blackhorn 209, Barnes Expanders, CCI Magnum 209 primers. I'll never go back after using BH. More shots between cleaning (and easier cleaning!) and more consistent groups. Love the stuff!

 

[Madbowh]

For the most part it will be real black powder and a patched ball. Don't want to hijack this thread but I hope you modern muzzleloader guys can get your supplies. Everywhere I've looked most powder, bullets, and primers are out of stock. The clueless hords that invade Walmart just before season start are gonna be in for a surprise.

Been to 4 walmarts in last 2 weeks tn and NC all had plenty of muzzle loader supplies accept primers. I've been stocked for everything of I seeit I grab it anyway. They're slowly getting rifle rounds

 

[00bucshot]

Anybody use Hodgon Pyrodex?

I shoot 90gr of Pyrodex RS behind a 200gr TC ShockWave bullet in my 45 Cal TC Omega. Accuracy and groupings are excellent at 100 yds.

 

[Union Co. Boy]

Just a little PSA, if you are near the Middlesboro, Kentucky area and need Black Horn 209, they had 14 of them the other day at East End Pawn Shop when I was there.

 

[Pioneer1789]

Just a little PSA, if you are near the Middlesboro, Kentucky area and need Black Horn 209, they had 14 of them the other day at East End Pawn Shop when I was there.

Might be worth the ride. Thanks.

 

[musical hunter]

What does everyone shoot here? Powder or pellets? Best bullets for CVA Optima V2 muzzleloaders?

White hots and powerbelts.

 

[Willysman]

Blackhorn 209 is the best I have ever used and I've tried about everything made. It don't leave a fire ring down near the breach like some pellets. You can reload several times without cleaning. One good thing about it is that it don't absorb moisture so you don't have to clean it after every hunting trip. Talked to the Blackhorn company when it first came out as I was having problems getting a good group. They recommended using CCI Magnum primers. That fixed the problem. Hard to find. Only place I ever found the magnum was at Gander Mt. and they are history. Don't know a lot about the other bullets as I've always used the TC easy glide sabots. Get good groups and every deer I've shot has got a ride in the back of my pickup.

 

[nock]

CVA 50 cal. 100 grains Pyrodex and powerbelts

 

[UTGrad]

Blackhorn 209 is the best I have ever used and I've tried about everything made. It don't leave a fire ring down near the breach like some pellets. You can reload several times without cleaning. One good thing about it is that it don't absorb moisture so you don't have to clean it after every hunting trip. Talked to the Blackhorn company when it first came out as I was having problems getting a good group. They recommended using CCI Magnum primers. That fixed the problem. Hard to find. Only place I ever found the magnum was at Gander Mt. and they are history. Don't know a lot about the other bullets as I've always used the TC easy glide sabots. Get good groups and every deer I've shot has got a ride in the back of my pickup.

I've used BH209 and I don't recommend leaving it fouled. I tried that and within a week my muzzle crown was showing signs of corrosion. BH209 is not as hygroscopic as other substitutes but it still will absorb moisture.

 

[Chiflyguy]

White hots and powerbelts.

How often you run a patch thru?
If sighting in, I shoot a 3 round group and run a couple patches.
Clean the breech plug every 6.

 

[Joe2Kool]

I've used pellets for years and I'm a "if it ain't broke don't fix it" kinda guy. Hornady 300grain XTP's in .452 absolutely knock deer down! No blood trailing required. The 240 grain work well but not like the 300's. This what all of my little circles shoot and they are all CVA's. Accura's, Optima's and a Wolf. The XTP's shoot great in all of them.

Same here. 300gr XTP and 2 pellets of 777. Same point if impact at 50 and 100 yards from an old Knight Wolverine.
Heard good things about BH 209 and Barnes, but the combo above has woogreat for me for years.