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BH209 Discovery

Brathany

Brathany

Well-Known Member
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Oct 6, 2024
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356
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I got my smoke pole out yesterday (T/C Encore FX Pro Hunter) and chrono'd some 205gr Barnes T-EZ. I let the gun and components cool to match ambient temp of 45F. I got 1988fps average. 84gr by weight BH209. I thought that a little slow, so I tested the BH209 volume tubes and my brass volume charger. 120gr by volume of BH209 came in at 96gr by weight every time I tested it on the Chargemaster 1500. So, I don't think the 70% rule of Volume to grain weight applies to BH209. Possibly because it's extruded?
 
Brathany said:
I got my smoke pole out yesterday (T/C Encore FX Pro Hunter) and chrono'd some 205gr Barnes T-EZ. I let the gun and components cool to match ambient temp of 45F. I got 1988fps average. 84gr by weight BH209. I thought that a little slow, so I tested the BH209 volume tubes and my brass volume charger. 120gr by volume of BH209 came in at 96gr by weight every time I tested it on the Chargemaster 1500. So, I don't think the 70% rule of Volume to grain weight applies to BH209. Possibly because it's extruded?
Click to expand...
It's been known since it first became available that each different lot# had a different volume to weight ratio.
Lot#41 might be what you're using???? The 120gr volume measure of lot#41 averages 96grs weight.
 
Bottle says 02261418. Got in 2015-2016. Western Powder Company made. Guess Hodgdon bought them in 2020.

Though I bought a 5lb jug of it and split with a friend. This single bottle might not be that lot number of the 5lbs bottle. Either way, I know I mixed it all up between this single and that 2.5lbs of that 5lbs bottle. As I do all new batches of the same powder.
 
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I have some BH209 that I have had for many years as well. I've always weighed mine at 84 grains. *Not saying anyone should do what I am going to ask about here* Does the 120 volume weighed 96 grains indicate that it is potentially safe to load more than 84 grains by weight and shoot in modern in line muzzleloaders?

I've never experimented with heavier charge weights. Would be interested in hearing what others have tried and what they found. PM me so we don't derail this thread please. Thank you!
 
I went to 88gr by weight today and got 2100fps with much better 14fps SD vs 35fps SD at 84gr.

I shot a doe at 135yds at 84gr and it ran 120yds before laying down. Maybe this extra 100fps will help the Spitfire TEZ open up better.
 
Just a hunter said:
I have some BH209 that I have had for many years as well. I've always weighed mine at 84 grains. *Not saying anyone should do what I am going to ask about here* Does the 120 volume weighed 96 grains indicate that it is potentially safe to load more than 84 grains by weight and shoot in modern in line muzzleloaders?

I've never experimented with heavier charge weights. Would be interested in hearing what others have tried and what they found. PM me so we don't derail this thread please. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Though I think it will be safe, I don't think I want anymore recoil than the 88gr I just tried. With the 84gr and within 75yds I can see the hit/blood spot in the scope before losing the sight picture. I'll see if I can still manage that with 88gr charge.

ETA: Just a Hunter, I think your question is right in line with the topic of this thread. So, no worries. Geezo you should see the derailment that goes on everyday here. 🤣
 
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Just a hunter said:
I have some BH209 that I have had for many years as well. I've always weighed mine at 84 grains. *Not saying anyone should do what I am going to ask about here* Does the 120 volume weighed 96 grains indicate that it is potentially safe to load more than 84 grains by weight and shoot in modern in line muzzleloaders?

I've never experimented with heavier charge weights. Would be interested in hearing what others have tried and what they found. PM me so we don't derail this thread please. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Being that it got started.............................

Western and now Hodgdon say 120grs volume OR 84grs by weight. The volume to weight ratio has varied greatly over the decades. One of the early lot# had 120grs volume equaling only 78grs by weight. Some of the later lots are getting very close to 100grs by weight. Take for instance lot#41. If you use a 120gr volume measure, tapped, the average of 10 thrown volume charges is 96.2grs weight.
In my opinion, right or wrong, 120grs volume is safe according to the printed material from both Western and now Hodgdon.
 
Appreciate the feedback. I've never really looked into it so I guess I was surprised to see that there is that much variation. I might measure out different charges and go do a little testing when time allows. I enjoy muzzleloader season and this gives me an excuse to slip off to the range for a much needed break. Thanks!
 
Fired two shots so far with the 88gr of BH209. One to zero, and another to shoot a doe at 120yds. 250gr Barnes Spitfire. I am not convinced the additional 4 grains from 84 to 88 is all that beneficial. The 250gr Spitfire penciled through the shoulders and there was no blood at the hit site. She ran 40yds hit like that and only blood was where she laid. So, I got 100 more FPS for 2100fps that didn't make the bullet open up any better than at 2000fps. At 150yds there is only a 1/2" drop difference between the two charges. The 88gr gives a sharper crack type recoil, where the 84 is the push and roll type. One knows when things feel right upon firing a gun.

96gr no F'N way!
 
Brathany said:
Fired two shots so far with the 88gr of BH209. One to zero, and another to shoot a doe at 120yds. 250gr Barnes Spitfire. I am not convinced the additional 4 grains from 84 to 88 is all that beneficial. The 250gr Spitfire penciled through the shoulders and there was no blood at the hit site. She ran 40yds hit like that and only blood was where she laid. So, I got 100 more FPS for 2100fps that didn't make the bullet open up any better than at 2000fps. At 150yds there is only a 1/2" drop difference between the two charges. The 88gr gives a sharper crack type recoil, where the 84 is the push and roll type. One knows when things feel right upon firing a gun.

96gr no F'N way!
Click to expand...
I don't know for sure but I don't know if the Spitfire will ever open. It seems as though each deer I've shot with it did exactly as you described. The Expander has seemed to open better in my experience. I didn't test both at any distance really to compare accuracy. I'm actually looking for a bullet that opens fairly reliably and seems that the reviews keep pointing to the Aerolite from Powerbelt. No experience with those either.
 

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