Blackhorn 209 and cold ignition

Tried federal and CCI primers. First couple shots would be ok usually. I used Hornady red sabot 250 gr SST. I used probably 50 pounds of seating force. It had a factory breech plug. I have a couple jugs still and if I hunt a state that mandates bp sub I wanted to know what to use. I'll have to look into a new plug.

Thanks

Both CVA and Western sell a Blackhorn209 breach plug. IMO though the OEM plug modified with a vent liner or bushing and a larger flash channel is a better option. I prefer shimming the firing pin bushing instead of the primer pocket. CVA sells the firing pin bushing shim kit.

here is a list of most common 209 primers, and their strength, as chronoed from an inline .32 pushing a patched roundball no powder, just primer alone.(dryball) Shooting level, ball typically hits the ground at about 20-30 yards.

Shot-Shell Primers
Hottest........Federal 209A..............380 f.p.s.
CCI 209M...................378 f.p.s.
Remington STS..........344 f.p.s.
CCI 209......................338 f.p.s.
Fiocchi........................337 f.p.s.
Winchester 209..........333 f.p.s.
Mildest........Cheddite.....................326 f.p.s.


Muzzleloading Primers
Hottest........CCI 209 In-Line MZL...241 f.p.s.
Fusion 209 In-Line.....236 f.p.s.
Remington ML............234 f.p.s.
Winchester ML............228 f.p.s.
Mildest........Winchester Triple 7....191 f.p.s.

I almost exclusively use winchester 209 shotgun primers for everything, and as long as the usual steps are taken, with BH compatible equip. fire is regular and reliable in all temps.

X2 with Jeff's recommendation.

I have 2 CVA's using BH209 and use the Western Powder breech plug in both using both Federal and CCI Mag primers with shimming.

I hunt in northern WI in cold weather and have had no problems.

You can shim your firing pin bushing but I think this works better  www.mcmaster.com/#9262k611/=rgsfbp  and use a fed 209a or cci mag 209 primer and you shouldn't have any problems as long as you keep your fire channels and bore clean and oil free.  You could also bore the flash hole to .035 if it makes you feel better.

Why would it work better to have LESS of the primer in the primer pocket? When you shim the firing pin bushing MORE of the primer is in the primer pocket. Enlarging the flash hole is a serious bandaid solution especially if you also have less primer in the pocket. All you accomplish is putting more stress on the primer when combining those 2 suggestions.

Ive taken the old CVA plug design. Had a vent liner added and enlarged the flash channel (not hole) to 5/32. That rifle never had a single hickup even with the weakest 209 primers. The same can be done to the OEM QRBP and its flawless even in sub zero temps.