I am guessing that you have a background in chemistry and are well aware of the danger. One of the things we have that the "old timers" did not, is consistant black powder. I paid 7 or 8 dollars a pound, the last time I bought black powder. I bought 7 pounds in a paper bag, leaving the NSSA National Matches. one dollar a pound more in a can lol. The time before that, I drove to a fireworks supplier and paid $10 a pound. Anyway, it's about making my own stuff. I came across some hickory and made a few short starters. I found canvas and made pre "dry lubed" patches in strips. I was taught to use "water soliable" cutting oil, for the shooting patches, and mix with water and detergent for plack powder solvent.