Pyrodex in a Flintlock

[James Stella]

Does anyone use Pyrodex as a main charge in a flintlock?

I recently purchased my first flintlock. I have some Goex 3f to use for priming but I can not find any black powder right now to use as the main charge. All I have is Pyrodex RS. I only have about a 1/4 pound of the 3f so not enough for a main charge.

The reason I am asking is I have been using the Pyrodex but there seems to be more of a delay than there should be and I am wondering if it could be the Pyrodex.

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[mooman76]

Some do. Are you using like 5 gr in the barrel before you load the Pyrodex? It needs 5 or 10 gr in the breech to help set off the Pyro as well as in the pan. Can't tell for sure but you hesitation firing is most likely the Pyrodex.

 

[tnlonghunter]

Short version - Pyrodex has a higher ignition point than BP, so you'll often find a slower response in flintlocks, which don't burn as hot as a percussion cap. Like Moonman, said you'll get better performance with BP first, then adding the Pyrodex on top.

 

[Erwan]

The Pyrodex does never works well in a flinter (when it works), the only solution knew is the duplex charge : a bit real BP and Pyrodex over it....... just like tell you mooman76...

 

[garypl]

I wouldn’t waste your time trying to use pyrodex in a flintlock unless you have an extremely limited supply of real BP and need to stretch your supply. No point in messing around with duplex loads unless absolutely unavoidable.

 

[James Stella]

Right now, if I want to shoot it, I have to use Pyrodex.

I will try the duplex load. It I am firing a 90 grain load of Pyrodex I could drop it to 80 and add 10 grains of 3f black powder. Does that sound about right?

 

[mooman76]

If you are that low on real black I would just use 5 gr but if it isn't working as well as you like, try 10 gr.

 

[Erwan]

I will try the duplex load. It I am firing a 90 grain load of Pyrodex I could drop it to 80 and add 10 grains of 3f black powder. Does that sound about right?

You can try it, but the Pyrodex is the Pyrodex : I don't use it in my flinters, not anymore, charge duplex or not...

 

[Brokennock]

The hamster wheel goes round and round

 

[James Stella]

If you are that low on real black I would just use 5 gr but if it isn't working as well as you like, try 10 gr.

Ok thank you. I have a small priming flask that throws three grains. I will just use it twice and that would give me 5-6 grains. I will try it.

 

[Erwan]

View attachment 112354
The hamster wheel goes round and round

The first I see is this one : Pyrodex in flintlocks
Seems that they didn't find the good solution for a flintlock...

 

[B P Maniac Shooter]

Here's my experiences using black powder substitutes in flintlocks:
I would just order the real stuff & have less problems shooting.

 

[olskool]

NO,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[hanshi]

Pyrodex in percussions works but flintlocks simply demand black powder.

 

[Sidney Smith]

There's always the former percussion shooter who thinks it's OK to use Pyrodex in a flintlock. Go ahead and use it. But don't piss and moan when you have ****** results.

 

[johnfrommd]

My normal load in my GP .50 cal flinter is 60 grains of 3F for 50 yard target shooting. I got a good deal on a case of Pyro P some time ago and worked up a load that gives me the same ballistics. I throw 10 grains of 3F and 40 grains of Pyro and my loads print to the same POI as 60 grains of 3F.

This should get me through the dry period until BP production gets back up. (hoping someone buys the GOEX plant)

 

[Cruzatte]

Does anyone use Pyrodex as a main charge in a flintlock?

I recently purchased my first flintlock. I have some Goex 3f to use for priming but I can not find any black powder right now to use as the main charge. All I have is Pyrodex RS. I only have about a 1/4 pound of the 3f so not enough for a main charge.

The reason I am asking is I have been using the Pyrodex but there seems to be more of a delay than there should be and I am wondering if it could be the Pyrodex.

Thanks for any thoughts.

Yup. Definitely it's the Pyrodex. Use your 3f instead.

 

[Siringo]

If that’s all you have, make it work. No criticism here. I have on occasion used 10 grains of “3f” and then my pyrodex charge, 3f in pan. Goes off just as fast as real stuff. Nice thing is no swabbing between shots.

 

[johnfrommd]

If that’s all you have, make it work. No criticism here. I have on occasion used 10 grains of “3f” and then my pyrodex charge, 3f in pan. Goes off just as fast as real stuff. Nice thing is no swabbing between shots.

This works quite well and Pyrodex P is readily available. Don't us Pyrodex Rifle as you will get delayed ignition since it burns slower.

 

[skyhigh315]

Hi

Duplex loads work fine. Id be shocked if the people who say it doesn't have ever actually tried it. 5 grains of real BP under Pyro or T7 go off, hesitation-free, each and every time for me. For decades.