If no Black Powder then what?

[Rifleman1776]

Pyrodex was patented in 1975, and available commercially shortly after that. So it's about 35 years old. (the plant explosion that killed the inventor was in 1977, and I believe the product was available prior to that).

You are correct. The inventor, Dan Pawlak, was a very fine person. Also very smart. I knew Dan slightly. His loss was very sad.
Ironically, I have no use for Pyrodex. I was sent some for pre-market testing. First test was in my Ruger Old Army. Could never get ignition. Tried every brand of cap on the market. Finally had to pull loads. Put rest on wife's garden. Never wrote the review. Never have tried any synthetic and have no plans to.