Question for the Muzzle Loader Experts

[Gman]

Been having a really hard time getting my TC bone collector to consistently ignite BH209.  I am considering layering two types of powder,  a very small volume of T7 like 10-20gr followed by a low load (to start) say 60-70gr by volume of BH209.  I know that there will be a lot of questions on how I have tried to ignite the BH209, what primer, what load, how was the powder stored, did I try a new lot of powder, did I make sure the flash channel was clean, etc. 

Trust me when I say I did a ton of research and tried almost every possible solution.  I am convinced that the layering of the powder will work and I cant see how I would exceed the pressure rating of the gun if I stay with loads under 100gr by volume. 

Has anyone ever experimented with powder layering?  I like my fingers where they are and I'm very grateful to have two eyes, does anyone see a potential for a catastrophic event? 

[Devil Horns]

What primers are you using? There are recommended primers for BH 

[Devil Horns]

STANDARD 209 shotshell primers are recommended for Blackhorn 209. Best results can be expected from CCI 209M and Federal 209A primers. Special muzzleloading primers such as Winchester Triple 7 and Remington Clean Bore ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.

[FDhunt1213]

I had my encore breech plug drilled out a tiny bit more by a machinist don’t remember the size it was drilled out to though I’m sure you could find it online. The primer is the most important has to be a federal 209a or cci magnum shot shell. Also make sure there’s no oil in the breech area 

[Deerslayer21]

I only use the  cci magnum  I had a few misfires witht the federal 209a.  I also never ever use any solvents  no bore butter nothing....   the cleaner the better !!!!!!!!

[Gman]

11 minutes ago, FDhunt1213 said:

has to be a federal 209a or cci magnum shot shell. Also make sure there’s no oil in the breech area 

Yes, I tried everything, cci magnum 209a is my go to primer, the gun would misfire or hang fire almost 80% of the time. 

[FDhunt1213]

3 minutes ago, Gman said:

Yes, I tried everything, cci magnum 209a is my go to primer, the gun would misfire or hang fire almost 80% of the time. 

That’s strange 

[Gman]

In my mind this layering of powder would be very similar to pyrodex pellets, the dark end of the pellet goes in first, that is a faster igniting powder... so why not add a layer of T7 to my BH load? 

Who thinks it would turn my gun into a pipe bomb? 

[Gman]

Just now, FDhunt1213 said:

That’s strange 

Yeah maybe I should just try a new breach plug, could be the one in the gun has an atypically small flash channel.  But I am curious about layering T7 and BH.  It could be an almost full proof way to ensure ignition. But I suppose it could also cause a pressure spike that would blow the gun up. 

[mazzgolf]

That doesn't sound right to me. If you are using the correct primer and the correct breech plug, but you are getting misfires 80% of the time, that almost tells me something might be wrong with the powder. How old is it? Where did you buy it?

I know you said you tried everything - but just to be sure - make sure the breech plug is correct. My CVA requires a special BH209 breech plug if using that powder.

[FDhunt1213]

Just now, mazzgolf said:

That doesn't sound right to me. If you are using the correct primer and the correct breech plug, but you are getting misfires 80% of the time, that almost tells me something might be wrong with the powder. How old is it? Where did you buy it?

I know you said you tried everything - but just to be sure - make sure the breech plug is correct. My CVA requires a special BH209 breech plug if using that powder.

Yes that’s why mine is drilled out 

[shoot2kill8]

Need a hot primer (fed 209a or cci 209m) make sure flash channel is clean and the small hole is clean in beach plug, cant speak for a bone collector but my encore and Omega breach flash channel is easily cleaned by turning a 1/8" drill bit by hand, and the appropriate size torch tip cleaner for the small hole

[Devil Horns]

Do you snap a cap or two after cleaning and before loading? May need to burn any residual solvent or oils out before loading. 

[KaTooM]

your breech plug hole is probably too small. Need a purpose built BH breechplug or slight drill modification to make it reliable. 

[MGHunter66]

I would not mix powders. Open up the breech plug a bit and always use a torch tip cleaner to keep it true to size