While we had great success with Remington STS 209 primers, they are now scarce. Any 209-primer available is a good primer nowadays.
It is crucial to use a standard/magnum 209 primer and not a muzzleloader specific primer with Blackhorn 209.

DO NOT USE SMOKELESS RIFLE POWDER PRIOR TO READING AND FULLY UNDERSTANDING!

We do not sell Blackhorn 209 or 209 primers and do not keep track of who may have them in stock.

The suggested charge in the .45 caliber is 100 to 120 grains by volume of Blackhorn 209. The weighed equivalents can be used as well.

.45 caliber 1-24 & 1-18 twist rifles:
225 or 250 grain star tip bullets. The 1-18 can stabilize heavier, longer bullets.
These are button rifled barrels and are not always ideal for full bore applications.

.45 caliber 1-18 twist cut rifled barrel:
This barrel is great for full bore bullets that are sized with a smooth sizing die. Fury and Parker offer great 250, 275 and 300 grain bullets for use in this.
New for 2024, These barrels are threaded for brakes. We have found that 1-18 is optimal twist rate and have switched from 1-20.

.40 caliber 1-15 twist cut rifled barrel:
We are working on bringing these as a standard option.

SHOOTING SMOKELESS POWDERS:

READ THIS COMPLETELY AND FULLY UNDERSTAND. READ IT AGAIN TO CONFIRM YOU UNDERSTAND! DO NOT PROCEED WITHOUT FULLY UNDERSTANDING!
DO NOT USE SMOKELESS POWDER IN ANY .50 CALIBER PATRIOT MUZZLELOADER!
IT IS CRITICAL THAT THE BULLET IS SEATED ON THE POWDER CHARGE! you do not need to smash the bullet into the powder, just gently seat it.
Do use a witness mark on your ramrod to know that you have not double loaded the rifle. Only to be used in .40 and .45 caliber Patriot muzzleloaders!
Maximum recommended pressure is 45kpsi. If you do not understand this, do not use anything other than recommended loads.

Always weigh smokeless powder, do not measure by volume.
While not limited to these 3 listed powders, these are recommended and tested to be safe. Do not use other smokeless powders without knowing if it is safe.
Hodgdon H4198
Alliant RL7
Vihtavuori N120

Using saboted bullets:
275 grain and under saboted bullets, 56 to 58 grains by weight of the 3 listed powders is recommended.
The standard breech plug is acceptable to use with these saboted loads.
Do not exceed a charge of 65 grains by weight. It is not necessary and can degrade accuracy. Harvester sabots are recommended.

Using full bore bullets:
A smooth sizing die and press will be required to size full bore bullets. Ideal loading force should be determined with a fouled barrel.
Veggie wads should be used between the bullet an powder. Wool wads are also acceptable. Some rifles like one over the other.
Full bore bullets must fit tight enough to remain on the powder charge. The tighter the better, but not so tight you cannot load them.
A bullet not seated on the powder is extremely dangerous and can cause catastrophic failure! If you experience a failure to ignite, the bullet can be pushed off the powder. Wait several minutes and re-seat the bullet or remove breech and clear.
Always run the bullet through the sizing die twice for consistency.
Maximum recommended pressure is 45kpsi. If you do not understand this, do not use anything other than recommended loads.
Typically requires the adjustabe breech plug with the appropriate pressure regulating configuration.
Do not exceed 300 grain bullet weight without knowing safe pressures will not be exceeded! While not limited to these 3 listed powders, these are recommended and tested to be safe. Do not use other smokeless powders without knowing if it is safe.
45 caliber loads.
Hodgdon H4198
Alliant RL7
Vihtavuori N120
Typical charge is 57 to 58 grains by weight with veggie wad.
Max safe charges are as follows:
60 grains by weight max with a 300 grain bullet.
62 grains by weight max with 275 grains bullets.
65 grains by weight max with 250 grain bullets.

40 caliber load data with veggie wad:
Hodgdon Varget
75 to 80 grains by weight with a 250 grain bullet produce an average velocity of 2800 fps and 4300 ft/lbs of energy at the muzzle.

Reducing the power charge can prevent obturation of the bullet. This results in poor accuracy and tumbling bullets.
If you are unsure or have any questions, please email Mark Woodman mark@woodmanarms.com

.50 caliber 1-28 twist rifles.

DO NOT EVER USE SMOKELESS POWDER IN 50 CALIBER PATRIOT MUZZLELOADERS!

The suggested charge in the .50 caliber is 80 to 100 grains by volume of Blackhorn 209 WITH BULLETS UNDER 400 GRAINS.
120 grains by volume, or 84 by weight of Blackhorn 209 is the maximum charge.
Do not use heavier than 400 gr bullets without knowing safe pressures with Blackhorn 209.

These load’s typically offers moa groups, however load developement may be required to find what your rifle likes.