Can I make substitute powder work with a flintlock?

[James Kelly]

One might wonder if all of the modern "substitutes" are appropriate to use in the very low impact toughness, low transverse ductility free machining steel barrels favored by most, but thankfully not 100% of, gunmakers?

 

[paulvallandigham]

Well, the flashpoint of the substitutes is almost twice that of black powder, and they do generate somewhat more pressure( psi) than does Black Powder. Most of the modern barrels are made from the same steel used in modern cartridge breechloaders, from what I have been told. I see a lot of stainless steel being used, on the gunracks in the stores, too. All I have read and heard about pressures indicates that the substitutes don't generate pressure close to what the barrels can take. I don't think material safety is much of an issue with these new zip guns. :surrender: :thumbsup:

 

[Zoar]

I tried triple seven in muzzleloaders. It sucked.
BP is so much better for flintlocks. Especially pan powder. I just don't see how you could make subs work as pan powder.

 

[Robert Egler]

go make home made powder if ya have to Fred :hatsoff:

I haven't been able to get the subs to work as prime at all, and they often won't fire as the main charge, BUT, to the best of my knowledge making your own black powder is illegal in the US. So I personally wouldn't recommend that as an option.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. :surrender:

 

[stevekl]

Well I may have solved my problem because I made some home made black powder...and it works!

Well, it works in my percussion gun, at least.

I don't even own a flintlock so I can't be certain that I could ignite it with sparks, but i'm pretty confident that I could.

Looks like I don't have to worry about finding real BP now.