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* What kind of accuracy can I expect from Black Mag’3® ?
* What is the best powder charge load for hunting ?
* What type of bullet size do I use with Black Mag’3® ?
* Is cleaning the barrel necessary between every shot
...in order to maintain accuracy ?
* Are there advantages of using Black Mag’3® ?
* Is muzzle velocity the only thing to consider ?
* Can I Shoot Black Mag’3® in my sided lock rifle ?
* Can I use Black Mag’3 while hunting in inclement weather ?
* Can I use Black Mag’3® in my flintlock rifle ?
* Can I use your powder in Metallic Cartridge Rifles ?
* Can I use Black Mag’3® in Cowboy Action Shooting ?
* Where can I find Black Mag’3® ?
* How do I clean my firearm after using Black Mag’3® ?
Q: What makes Black Mag’3 different from other powders ?
A: Black Mag’3® does not compare to any other powder. Black Mag’3® is safer to handle and transport; and forms considerably less residue, with that residue being both water-soluble and non-corrosive. Black Mag’3® contains significantly more energy, on a weight basis, than black-powder. Also, it does not contain any sulfur, so it does not produce sulfurous acid or sulfuric acid, the familiar “rotten-egg” smell of black powder.
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Q: What kind of accuracy can I expect from Black Mag’3 ?
A: Accuracy depends on many factors, including components used, how such components are assembled, degree of fouling or leading of the barrel, the type of firearm used, the loading techniques and safety precautions utilized by the individual. However, the twist rate of the rifling inside your barrel is very important for optimum accuracy. In other words, how many inches of barrel it takes for the bullet to make a complete rotation. It is expressed in a ratio, such as 1:48 for 48 inches of barrel. The longer the bullet you are using, the “quicker” the twist needs to be in order to stabilize the bullet. For example: for round balls a twist of 1:66 works the best while sabots work best with a twist of 1:28. Many Black Mag’3® shooters have reported groups of 1 1/4” and less at 50 yards and beyond using the correct combination.
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Q: What's the best powder charge load for hunting ?
A: This question has been debated as long as hunters have been going into the woods to hunt recreationally. Most experienced hunters agree that a heavier bullet provides more energy and affords a quicker cleaner kill.
Some muzzleloaders have leaned towards lighter, faster bullets for longer range shooting. The terrain, the habits and the size of the game will be determining factors in the type of firearm, bullet and amount of powder charge used.
Penetration and expansion by the bullet used is very important in order to be successful during a hunt. A muzzle velocity of 1400 FPS, using a .50 caliber muzzleloader, will harvest just about any game within 100 yards in this Continent. Of course proper placement of bullet penetration on the game is of utmost importance.
Example:
Rifle .50 Cal. 26” barrel
60 gr. of Black Mag’3® powder charge – 245 gr. bullet = 1400 FPS +
70 gr. of Black Mag’3® powder charge – 348 gr. bullet = 1400 FPS +
80 gr. of Black Mag’3® powder charge – 444 gr. bullet = 1400 FPS +
The above is just an example. We have found that Black Mag’3® also yields exceptional performance with powder charges from 100 to 120-grain in rifles of .45 to .50 calibers. In fact, because of its unique burning characteristics, charges in this range will yield higher velocities with heavy bullets in the 400 grain range. The heavier the bullet the more expansion and energy (foot–pound) created, approaching magnum performance, in keeping with our name.
Remember, each firearm performs differently. If a chronograph is not available to produce your own load combination, consult our loading data or the loading data of your firearm and projectile manufacturer. Measure your powder charge by using a black powder measure (by volume) only. If the mentioned loading data are not available, use the same amount of grains as you would when using black powder. Reduce load data 10% volumetrically to start and work up in 5 grain increments.
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Q: What type of bullet size do I use with Black Mag’3 ?
A: Everyone has a preferred projectile and/or combination of load for their firearm. We also have a preferred projectile. We use Powerbelt Bullets due to their consistency and full caliber size, including superior gas seal afforded by the plastic belt. Of course each rifle and barrel is different. Therefore, for best performance of your firearm, several different load-charges and bullet designs should be used in order to find the correct combination for best performance of your firearm.
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Q: Do I need to clean between every shot to maintain accuracy ?
A: NOT AT ALL. As a matter of fact, due to our patented formula, a shooter will not encounter the residues/slag in the barrel as usually formed when using other powders. Many shooters using Black Mag’3® have shot over 90 consecutive rounds and NEVER at all swabbed the bore between rounds. Also, when using Powerbelt Bullets, only the plastic base engages the rifling behind the bullet, so virtually no residue is left behind. Of course, each shooter determines the cleaning procedures for the particular firearm used.
Q: Are there advantages of using Black Mag’3 ?
A: Definitely!
No hang fires
No miss fires
Faster Ignition
Superior Velocity
Non-corrosive
Non toxic
Moisture resistant
Clean
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Q: Is muzzle velocity the only thing to consider ?
A: Whereas velocity may help make shot placement easier at unknown ranges, terminal bullet performance is the most important aspect.
A heavier bullet retains its initial energy better than a lighter one…offering more penetration on game. A bullet must expand… if it does expand properly, with enough velocity, then it will generate sufficient shock for a fast, clean harvest. This is very important to the efficiency of energy dispersion to the target. If a projectile exits the far side of the target animal and continues downrange, it is carrying energy with it that could have been displaced in the target animal.
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Q: Can I Shoot Black Mag’3 in my side lock rifle ?
A: Yes. Black Mag’3® will perform very well in slower twist rifles. Obviously, the condition of the barrel combined with the shooter's ability plays a large part in determining the degree of accuracy that can be achieved. At fifty yards, sub-1" groups have been achieved from rifles
with a 1:66" (slow rate of twist) and everything in between.
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Q: Can I use Black Mag’3 in my flintlock rifle ?
A: Absolutely. Flintlock rifles are the oldest form of muzzleloaders along with the 17th century Matchlocks and Wheellocks. Properly tuned, Flintlocks are just as reliable as any other type of muzzleloader, and in the right hands a Flintlock can produce supreme accuracy out to 100 yards and beyond.
However, this type of lock provides ignition by flint and steel in which produces a shower of spark that ignites the priming powder in the flash pan.
When using Black Mag’3® powder as priming powder, take a pinch of powder and simply by rubbing between your thumb and forefinger, you will produce a finer granulation that will work very well as priming size flash pan powder.
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Q: Can I use your powder in Metallic Cartridge Rifles ?
A: Yes. You will be amazed in how well Black Mag’3® performs in all chambered cartridges of the American black powder era. We have tested Black Mag’3® with many calibers, such as 40-65, 45-70 and 45-110 and the results were nothing more than superb performance, without the slow, messy process of cleaning the rifle after a days shooting, as when using black powder or any other substitutes. As one shooter said…”H.M.Pope himself would have used Black Mag’3, due to its performance.”
Q: Can I use Black Mag’3 in Cowboy Action Shooting ?
A: Absolutely. As you may know, SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) has welcomed and approved Black Mag’3® in the fall of 1999, due to its superior performance and ease of cleaning.
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Q: Where can I find Black Mag’3 ?
A: Ask your local retailer. If they do not have Black Mag’3®,
request them to get it or visit the dealer locator section of this Web site
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Q: How do I clean my firearm after using Black Mag’3 ?
A: The cleaning of your firearm will be a delight.
No more mess, no more solvents, no more smell, no more dirty hands nor dozen of patches.
Simply run a clean patch thru the bore of your barrel, saturated with water, or even a very small amount of any kind of soap, and that is all…follow with a clean dry patch to dry the bore and lube as usual. Of course, depending on the type of bullet you use, you may want to use a bristle bore-brush in order to remove the deposits left by the projectile.
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