October 24, 2008, 08:03 AM | #1 |
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Blackhorn Powder
Has anyone tried Blackhorn 209 for loading cartridges? I'm wondering if it might be a safe -low pressure- subsitute for our antique arms. Price seems horrible, but it's sposed to be non corrosive, non fouling, etc.. I've printed the load data from their site, but the cartridges I'm interested in aren't listed. May have to contact them. jd
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October 24, 2008, 08:56 AM | #2 |
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Some of the blackpowder subs. are not low pressure propellants, require 100% loading density (zero air space in case) and will produce pressures the same as some smokeless loadings.
Note: the British 303 is a blackpowder round. Originally it contained a compressed blackpowder pellet and the operating pressures were greater than the cordite reound that came later. Take a look at IMR Trail Boss powder it is formulated for lead bullets. Their web site is www.imrpowder.com If you check on the Blackhorn data sheet the loading data for a 30-30 shows 34,000psi using their powder. Thats close to the working pressures of the smokless load. Sometimes it's best to stick with the proven blackpowder loading data. If clean up is a problem then try duplex loading with a very small charge of smokeless under the main charge of black. Tom F. |
October 24, 2008, 07:24 PM | #3 |
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Clean up and low pressure are my key concerns. We've put men on the moon-they say- why can't we come up with a clean, non-corrosive black powder substitute for use in our vintage guns. The calibers I'm interested in are 38 and 32 S&W; Both for use in good condition, top-break revolvers.
I've loaded many calibers for many years, and never heard of duplex loads. Could you explain the principal behind this technique, and the various concerns; safety etc.. Sounds kind of dicey to me. jd
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October 24, 2008, 08:11 PM | #4 |
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Duplex loading is generally used for rifles. Generaly a small charge ( about 10%) of IMR 4759 first then the balance of black powder. Large cases, large bore rifles.
In your reolvers I would tend to stick with the old reliable blackpowder. Some of the new stuff will generate pressures greater than you want in older guns. Get a cheap ultrasonic cleaner at harbor freight, It will do wonders in cleaning the cases and the guns also. When we shoot the 44 dragoon, afterwards I just disassemble and throw it all in the cleaner. About 10-15 min. later rinse with hot water and oil. With the cases I would deprime them first. Good Luck Tom F. |
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