I have never liked anything but flintlock rifles since I got started in muzzleloading back in 1971. At that time, age 17, I could purchase a one pound can of black powder from my local, family owned, third generation hardware store that was just over the Baltimore City/Baltimore County line here in Maryland. No restrictions, just a couple of questions from the owners son to make sure I wasn't going to go make pipe bombs from it.
The world that I inhabit today, 50 years later, bears no resemblance to those seemingly distant times. my beloved flintlock longrifles are in serious danger of being sidelined for good.
For those that point out that new black powder plants have always opened after an old plant closed its doors, I say to you that I hope that the past is indicative of the future as regards to the Goex plant in Louisiana closing come 2022.
My fears, and I don't feel like I am an alarmist, is that there is a new paradigm afoot.
LIke I said, I hope I am wrong, but I think that the handwriting is on the wall as regards to my muzzleloading shooting in the future.