Suitable alternative to black horn 209?

Question

Just getting into Muzzleloading with a traditions pursuit. Seems black horn 209 is considered the primary powder for it, but as with everything covid related now, no one is selling any. No one seems to have any online or they sell it only for store pickup half way across the country. My understanding is that it’s best qualities, besides being a little hotter and consistent, is that it’s cleaner burning. Is there anything on the market that is comparable to black horn? Or is it like 9mm, “just better put that gun away and wait till 2022 or 2023 to start looking for it”.

Bear Crap · Answer

That powder can only be used in certain inline BP rifles. It can not be used with any percussion caps and as for inlines can only be used in rifles with a locking bolt. Here is a link with very good information on it and other BP substitutes, but there is a annoying popup to buy the guys book;
https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/blackhorn-209-vs-777-vs-goex-black-powder/

Read that and then decide for yourself what else can come close. Its a newer powder that people like so there is one reason its hard to get. Also It can only be shipped ground.

So yes there is some close but none are the same or have the same burn rate.

Aspen · Answer

Hmm. The whole point is to look for something much better than dirty fouling black powder. Black Horn 209 is supposed to be as clean shooting a powder as you can get without going to smokeless powders (which you can’t use in muzzleloaders). Also produces higher pressures sending a round faster down range. I was just hoping there was something similar to it’s performance that might still be available. Probably not. I’ll just have to wait until it becomes available again...probably in the year 2024 at the rate we’re going. .

Anonymous · Answer

As said, there are several alternatives to Black Horn including real black powder.

Mr.357 · Answer

That is probably marketing hype.  There are many black powder products that will provide satisfactory performance.

Suitable alternative to black horn 209?

4 Answers