black powder subs

[James Rorar]

A friend of mine has decided to use his white mountain carbine for deer season this year. He usually uses a different type of bp gun but now feels out of line. He asked me which one of the BP subs is most easiest to ignite in a side lock. I dont know what to tell him since I have used only real BP since I got out of line. Real BP is not easily found in his area, and I offered to bring him some, but he said he would rather buy his own. Any suggestions as to what sub to use?
James

 

[oldwolf]

I really like Pyrodex and have never had ignition problems.

 

[Landngroove]

Only if there was no way I could not get real black powder, and I wanted to shoot, I would use either 777, or Pyrodex. I used Pyrodex in the past, and had an occasional hangfire, and it won't work in my flinters, but it would be acceptable, in a percussion sidelock. A friend gave me a half can of 777, in FFFG, I tried half a dozen shots with it, and ignition in my Hawken caplock was O.K. I have not used it since that day, last summer, so I can't give more info. Why not have your friend order some real black powder from Graf's. They sell small amounts, and ship thru UPS.

 

[Rebel]

Have used Pyrodex off and on for years. Use CCI Magnum caps with it and don't have any problems.

 

[pepperbelly]

I haven't tried it, or know of anyone who has, but check out Goex Pinnacle. It's supposed to be closer to real bp than the others.
I think the others were made with the inline rifles in mind.

Why not use black powder?

Jim

 

[boar]

Give him enought (real) to put 10grs in first, to set off the prodex so he dosen't have a miss fire.Dilly

 

[MikeC]

I haven't tried it, or know of anyone who has, but check out Goex Pinnacle. It's supposed to be closer to real bp than the others.
I think the others were made with the inline rifles in mind.

Why not use black powder?

Jim

The Goex Pinnacle is made by American Pioneer Powder (APP). I prefer the real deal but the way I look at it is, if your going to use a sub might as well use the cleanest burning and that would be APP's powder with CCI magnum caps. So look for either APP or Goex Pinnacle FFFg powder not pellets, it's the same thing.

 

[Herb]

Pyrodex RS (FFg equivalent) can work very well, but I have had poor luck with Pyrodex P (FFFg equivalent) most of the time I tried it, but a few good loads. Have to use Hot Shot nipples, then standard rifle primers work perfectly. I have chronographed CCI No 11 magnum primers and found little velocity gain with them over standard, same with Remington, advertised as being hot. I do not know if they set the Pyrodex off reliably without a Hot Shot nipple.

If you use Triple 7 loose powder, 3F or 2F, you still need the Hot Shot nipple and the 5 grain or so black powder booster, any granulation will do. Hodgdon's directions are to use 5 grains of 4F down the bore ahead of the main charge. This powders can work very well in a flintlock with 5 to 10 grains boost before the main charge, and of course, black powder in the pan.

 

[No Grease]

My traditions .54 has no trouble burning the real stuff or pyrodex. I use the number 11 caps. When I can get the real stuff I use it, when I cannot I use pyrodex. Either one allows me to use it on the range. I never mix the two together. I did buy a can of xxxf today for all my mls.

 

[Blizzard of '93]

I have used Pyro 'P' grade in my .50 with good results but had to be sure to give the breech area opposite the lock a few whacks with the palm of my hand when loading to jar some grains into the flash channel. real BP gives me tighter groups however.

 

[bioprof]

In my opinion, the effectiveness of substitutes depends upon the type of sidelock percussion rifle that you use. In my experience, the nipple and drum type of percussion rifles don't work very well at all with bp substitutes. I end up getting one or two shots and then nothing but problems. No problems with the real stuff.

 

[James Rorar]

My friend is retired and on a fixed income and does not use credit cards. He also is very fixed in his ways and wants to be able to go to the local store and buy powder to make his side lock work well. He thinks ordering bp is too much hassel. Next time I pick up real bp I will get an extra pound for him, it should last him a long time. What a shame they make real bp so hard to get, and subs have problems.
James

 

[oldwolf]

I can respect a man that does not like to use CC's. You would be a good friend to include his needs on your next BP order.

 

[sparky911]

hello, I'm new here and new to this style of shooting.

I just bought a 45 cal Hawken TC, used but very nice.
I don't intend to hunt with it yet, only take it out a few times to the range and learn more.
The town I'm in doesn't have a gun dealer with the license to sell real BP and I'd have to drive 90 miles to get some.

The dealer to sold me the mini balls, patches and whatnot gave me a brochure on American Pioneer Powder FFG and Shockey's Gold.

What to do here?

 

[Rebel]

If it is a caplock and not a flintlock then the subs will work. You should be able to get Pyrodex or 777 somewhere local. If it is a flinter then you need real black powder for it. And try some .490 rd balls in it with pillow ticking patches. You can lube them with a lot of things including plain 'ol Crisco.

 

[sparky911]

its a percussion and I bought some round ball this evening just to try.
I need to get my rod and jag out and see what the barrel twist is, I forgot to look at that.

 

[Rebel]

The twist will be 1-48". It should shoot rd balls fine and short conicals too.