Lesmok powder

[hrt4me]

As a purely theoretical discussion, was DuPont's Lesmok powder ever available commercially for reloaders in its day (a century ago)?

If so, then would it have been suitable at all for muzzleloaders?

 

[Nobade]

I think you will find the modern version of that is called Blackhorn 209.
No, I don't know if it was ever available in bulk.

 

[Whitworth]

It was available according to Phil Sharpe's "Complete Guide to Handloading" copyright 1937. He warns the handloader who has a old can of Lesmoke or King's Semi-Smokeless to handle it gently. Sensitive to jarring, static (I know), impact and exposure to heat etc, etc. it was touchy stuff. Born in 1903 Phil Sharpe was a well known arms and ammo expert in the 30's, 40's and 50's until his untimely passing in 1961 at 57.

 

[user 34300]

An alternative that I do not see talked about is Schultz powder. It was one of the first practical non black powders. It was wood nitrated by infusing it with barium and potassium nitrates.

 

[Whitworth]

An alternative that I do not see talked about is Schultz powder. It was one of the first practical non black powders. It was wood nitrated by infusing it with barium and potassium nitrates.

Sharpe mentioned it in history of the development of smokeless power. While not true smokeless it produced less smoke with more power than black powder.

 

[nhmoose]

Never seen a can of it. Empties yes full none. Shotgunners I believe used lots of it around 1880-1900's