American Pioneer Powder: Good? Bad?

[JoeMich]

I was looking for Pyrodex P, and my local ML shop only carries American Pioneer Powder. Has anyone here on this Forum any experience with this powder? Based on your results, what is your opinion of this powder?

 

[deerstalkert]

very course grained, and breaks down in the bottle, releasing dust.
it i the old clean shot replacement powder. works but Black is better. strength is on par with 777.
don't try it in a flintlock.

 

[brewer12345]

I use black mz, it's predecessor, for preference in my revolvers. A lot less fouling means I can shoot a lot more without things binding up.

 

[JoeMich]

Thanks for the replies. I’m glad I didnt buy any before asking. Instead of 5 lbs, I’ll try a pound, use it up in 6 months, and see how it goes.

 

[user 48702]

I bought 3 lbs of the Alliant Black MZ (made by American Pioneer) several years ago and it shoots great in my T/C Hawkens. Also loaded it in .32 WCF and .45 Colt, no problems in either, little fouling and lots of smoke. Sad that Alliant discontinued the MZ because Sportsmans Warehouse was selling it for $10 lb, but I understand that the current American Pioneer is about the same quality. It does clump a little, but haven't noticed any more dust at the bottom of the container than what I've seen at the bottom of a can of Goex.

 

[n.h.schmidt]

Gunny What patch lube do you use with the Black MZ? I have Black MZ but have had trouble with bad accuracy and hard spots in the barrel when using it. I have been using Mr flintlocks patch lube.That works good with pyrodex .Not so good with Black MZ.

 

[user 48702]

Gunny What patch lube do you use with the Black MZ? I have Black MZ but have had trouble with bad accuracy and hard spots in the barrel when using it. I have been using Mr flintlocks patch lube.That works good with pyrodex .Not so good with Black MZ.

I just use spit on the patch and have experienced very little fouling. They say don't use lubes, especially petroleum based lubes because it will cause heavy fouling. I have only used it with patched ball in a .50 cal, but in my .45 cal, I have one of the old Lyman/Ideal moulds they made for the original Remington C&B revolvers. It is hollow based and throws a bullet weighing about 177 grains, I believe I sized it to .451 to fit the T/C, but load it as it drops in my Frontier. I just load it dry and have fired a dozen rounds before swabbing. I love this bullet for the .45. I just wish there was a similar mold for the .50, but the PA bullet is close. I haven't tried the PA bullet with the MZ powder, but they will probably have to be degreased.

Here is the mold for the Remington that Lyman used to make #450229. These are dropping at about 177 grain pure lead, cast dia. .452.