Alliant Black MZ

by
posted on December 4, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
201212481132-alliantblackmz_f.jpg

12/4/2012

Manufactured in the United States, Black MZ is Alliant Powder’s recent entry into the blackpowder-substitute market, and is suitable for muzzleloaders and cartridge loads. According to the company, the FFg-size substitute is formulated to ignite easily (by No. 11 percussion caps, musket caps and 209 shotshell primers), provide excellent shot-to-shot consistency with regard to velocity, offer high velocities at lower pressures, be moisture-and humidity-resistant, be cleaner-burning and “virtually non-corrosive.”

To test Alliant’s claims, I employed two .50-cal. Thompson/Center muzzleloaders: a 209-ignited Impact and the NorthWest Explorer, which uses No. 11 percussion caps as the ignition source. The Impact, using 300-grain Fusion Sabots and 90 grain/volume Black MZ, and the NorthWest Explorer with 348-grain PowerBelt Copper Aerotip bullets and 80-grain/volume, both exhibited easy loading, flawless ignition and noteworthy accuracy. Cleanup was simple, too; it required a single moist cotton patch-with both sides being used-followed by single dry one with two caps or primers being fired to clear the breechplug and dry the bore.

The “virtually non-corrosive” assertion was tested by firing several shots from both rifles, then relegating the uncleaned muzzleloaders to a gun safe for several months. After 90 days, cleaning the Impact revealed a pristine bore; however, the NorthWest Explorer, ignored a full month longer, exhibited ever-so-slight bore damage. So, provided a firearm is cleaned within a reasonable timeframe, Black MZ is indeed “virtually non-corrosive.” From what I’ve witnessed Black MZ lives up to Alliant’s claims, and is an excellent choice for muzzleloading and blackpowder enthusiasts. Alliant Black MZ is sold in 1-pound canisters for $24.

Contact: Alliant Powder; (800) 276-9337; www.alliantpowder.com.

Latest

Silencer Central Banish 12 Suppressor 1
Silencer Central Banish 12 Suppressor 1

Silencer Central Banish 12: A Hunter-Friendly Shotgun Suppressor

Billed by Silencer Central as "the first shotgun suppressor designed specifically for hunters," the new Banish 12 has a number of field-friendly features and also stands out as one of the few shotgun suppressors on the market.

Marine Corps Knives Of World War II

Considered an essential piece of kit for every Marine, a wide variety of private-purchase and standard-issue knives were pressed into service in every theater of the war to tackle tasks ranging from hand-to-hand combat to everyday chores.

The Armed Citizen® July 21, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Great Firearm Sales Tax Holiday Trend—Will More States Join Florida?

Many states schedule a day, or a weekend, for residents to purchase arms and ammunition without the need to pay sales tax. Florida, however, is taking the savings to another level. Will more states follow?

Preview: DeSantis Horsehide Holster Upgrades

Horse leather often has a distinctive grain pattern and is generally even more durable, breathable and water-resistant than cowhide.

New For 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke In .375 H&H & .450 Bushmaster

The Christensen Arms Evoke is an affordable, bolt-action rifle platform that is now chambered for two unique big-game chamberings.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.