Black MZ ML Powder

I wanted to do a brief post on the fairly new Black MZ muzzle loading powder. This powder is from Alliant and has been in the making for about four years. With all the successful powders currently out there including  black powder, Pyrodex RS, Pyrodex Select, Pyrodex pellets, Triple 777 powder and pellets, Blackhorn 209, Jim Shockey's American Pioneer Gold powder etc. the competition a new kid on the block faces is stiff.

In spite of that Alliant now has the new Black MZ powder available. Black MZ is based on Ascorpic Acid which eliminates corrusive sulfur altogether and has additives to tame the hygroscopic agents still in the mixture.

Testing indicated at 70 degrees and 95% humidity, the Black MZ had a water weight gain of just 2% while much of the competition gained up to 25%. This is a major improvement. During the test the powder was left exposed to this 95% humidity for 14 days and still ignited while other powders tested under the same perameters did not ignite.

From a practical standpoint for guys like me, we don't often have 95% humidity, nor do I hunt with a ML in places that have 95% humidity during hunting season. I also store my powder in a dry, cool place when not being used. Moisture absorbed does have a fairly dramatic effect on burn rates of the powder and can wreck havoc with your velocity figures and point of impact if it ignites at all. I can think of one situation in NYS and late season ML seasons where the Alliant Black MZ would be of value. That would be for guys who leave their ML loaded all season and bring it into the house at night where it is warm and take it out during the day in freezing temperatures. Condensation would of course take place and could contaminate Pyrodex, Triple 777 and other powders.

Black MZ has a lower ignition temperature and reduces the dreaded crud ring that Triple 777 is famous for. Further testing showed that Black MZ produces velocities close to Triple 777 and Blackhorn 209. Accuracy was on the order of 1 inch 3 shot groups out of a CVA Accura with two different bullets which were Power Belt Aero Lites (300 grain) and Hornady SST (250 grains).

A pound of Black MZ is selling wherever Alliant powders are sold and a one pound cannister is going for approximatelt $25.00.

This is definitely a powder to take a look at.

Dan