Flintlocks and Pyrodex...?

[John Spartan]

New flintlock arrived today (Pedersoli 1777 Charleville) and she is beautiful. Looks solid and well built. Very nice and recommended.

Anyway it looks like I may have picked a poor time to take up muzzleloading as black powder looks scarce currently but I suspect that will change. Glanced at one of the booklets it came with and it says the gun can be used with BP or Pyrodex but didn’t recommend use of Pyrodex for reasons all, including me, know or have read.

Question: Would the apparently difficulty of touching off Pyrodex still be the case if I had Pyrodex in the bore and BP (4FFFF) in the pan?

 

[William Lincoln]

To be sure precharge the bore with a dash of 4f and top off with pyrodex. All will be fine.
Many pellets are impregnated with null B or 4f to improve ignition. Precharging is a very
old practice--and it improves ignition.

 

[SDSmlf]

Would the apparently difficulty of touching off Pyrodex still be the case if I had Pyrodex in the bore and BP (4FFFF) in the pan?

Best case if you have to use Pyrodex in a flintlock, would be to use BP in the pan and a kicker charge of BP in the bore under the main charge of Pyrodex. You need to get enough BP in the bore so that it reaches the touchhole. 10-15 grains is usually recommended, with the main charge of Pyrodex being reduced by the amount of BP. I’ve tried it, and while it works, found it a PIA, but if your BP supply is limited and you can get Pyrodex, go for it.

I’ve been called a hoarder for buying BP in 25 pound cartons, ordering the next carton as soon as I approach 25 pounds or so left in ‘inventory’. Never regretted having ‘too much’ BP and have never seen the price come down, except after near panic conditions, like we seem to have today.

 

[Hermit Tim]

I sometimes shoot Pyro in my Jaeger (?) rifle but use Goes 4F in the pan. Bought a huge pile of the Goex years ago and still have a large horn of it left. Since I mostly shoot cap locks I don't go through that much pan powder. But as I am currently getting more into flint I guess that is gonna change soon. Good luck with your awesome new toy. Are you going to hunt with it or is it just for fun shooting?

 

[John Spartan]

I have not hunted in years so as of now its just for fun. But now that the kids have grown up that may change.