Does your choice of 209 primer affect accuracy with Blackhorn 209? What’s the best alternative when Blackhorn 209 is unavailable? Are FireStick rifles really muzzleloaders? In Episode 98 of the Muzzle-Loaders Podcast, Chance and Darren Binder answer listener questions covering muzzleloader powders, primers, accuracy, cleaning, FireStick technology, CVA breech plugs, ramrods, sabots, and more.
The episode starts with Blackhorn 209 powder and 209 primers. Chance and Darren discuss how primer selection can affect Blackhorn 209 ignition and consistency, why hotter primers are generally preferred, and options such as CCI 209 Magnum and Federal 209A primers. They also compare Blackhorn 209 with alternatives including Pyrodex Select and Triple Seven, discussing differences in velocity, fouling, cleaning, and overall performance.
Next, they tackle the question: Are FireStick rifles actually muzzleloaders? Darren explains his perspective on Federal FireStick technology, how FireStick rifles compare with conventional inline muzzleloaders, their role in hunting, and why the system can make muzzleloading more accessible to new hunters. They also discuss the powder used in FireStick charges and the system's resistance to wet hunting conditions.
The Q&A then moves through several common muzzleloader accuracy and maintenance questions. Chance and Darren discuss how long No. 11 percussion caps can last, proper storage, whether you should clean between shots while sighting in a muzzleloader, and whether taking a fouling shot before a hunt can improve consistency. They also address measuring muzzleloader powder by weight vs. by volume and where more precise powder measurement could potentially make a difference.
Chance and Darren also answer two common CVA muzzleloader questions. They explain what can happen when installing a new CVA breech plug, including the initial seating process, and discuss the newer CVA ramrod design and why one end no longer has the threads some shooters expect.
Finally, the guys answer a detailed question about muzzleloader sabots and why sabot length and fit matter. They discuss matching the sabot to the projectile, how bullet length and shape influence sabot selection, and what shooters should look for when determining whether a sabot properly fits a bullet.
Topics discussed include:
Blackhorn 209 powder
Best 209 primers for Blackhorn 209
Blackhorn 209 alternatives
Pyrodex Select vs. Triple Seven
Federal FireStick muzzleloaders
FireStick powder and weather resistance
No. 11 percussion cap storage
Traditional vs. inline muzzleloaders
Cleaning between muzzleloader shots
Fouled vs. clean muzzleloader barrels
Fouling shots before hunting
Measuring powder by weight vs. volume
CVA breech plug installation
CVA Blackhorn 209 breech plugs
CVA ramrod design
Muzzleloader sabot fit and bullet selection
Whether you're trying to improve muzzleloader accuracy, choose the right powder and primer combination, troubleshoot a CVA muzzleloader, or better understand FireStick rifles and sabot selection, this listener Q&A covers practical questions muzzleloader hunters and shooters regularly encounter.
