Pyrodex in a hand gonne?

[Black_Feather]

Soooo…This coming winter, I’m thinking of putting together a hand gonne from the rifle shoppe (without the s shape lever) using some hobby fuse…All I have is a bunch of pyrodex, my question is, would I be able to use it?

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Great question, not sure if a fuse would set it off. But it would work with a “duplex load”, i.e., 10 grains of real BP under 40 grains of Pyrodex, or similar.

I have a few hand gonnes and some Pyrodex on hand, just not sure when I’ll get to testing that!

 

[russellshaffer]

Pyrodex works fine when lit with a fuse. No black starter charge needed.

 

[SDSmlf]

Soooo…This coming winter, I’m thinking of putting together a hand gonne from the rifle shoppe (without the s shape lever) using some hobby fuse…All I have is a bunch of pyrodex, my question is, would I be able to use it?

It will work, but I wouldn’t, just doesn’t seem right. Some will argue it’s no more corrosive that blackpowder, but I have examples of stainless steel barrels rotted out that only saw Pyrodex in their lifetimes. Not arguing, just offering an opinion based on experiences. Do what makes sense to you. Here is a borescope photograph of a stainless steel barrel that was only used with Pyrodex. Judge for yourself.

 

[Black_Feather]

It will work, but I wouldn’t, just doesn’t seem right. Some will argue it’s no more corrosive that blackpowder, but I have examples of stainless steel barrels rotted out that only saw Pyrodex in their lifetimes. Not arguing, just offering an opinion based on experiences. Do what makes sense to you.

No I understand, thanks for your opinion. I’m not particularly fond of Pyrodex, it’s just all I have available in my area. Luckily, the firearms I own have been fine, but it is probably the dry desert climate that I live in I assume.

 

[Black_Feather]

Pyrodex works fine when lit with a fuse. No black starter charge needed.

Thanks.

 

[SDSmlf]

I’m not particularly fond of Pyrodex, it’s just all I have available in my area.

Understand. Blackpowder is no longer easily available at the LGS and the internet is the only practical option. Pay attention for ‘free’ hazmat and shipping offers. Recently got 6 pounds of real blackpowder to my door for just over $150. Maybe I should have purchased more. I’ve seen ‘no hazmat’ fee sales for 4 pounds of BP or more within the past month or so.

 

[kyron4]

It will work, but I wouldn’t, just doesn’t seem right. Some will argue it’s no more corrosive that blackpowder, but I have examples of stainless steel barrels rotted out that only saw Pyrodex in their lifetimes. Not arguing, just offering an opinion based on experiences. Do what makes sense to you. Here is a borescope photograph of a stainless steel barrel that was only used with Pyrodex. Judge for yourself.
View attachment 336459

Yikes ! Were those bores cleaned properly and promptly ? I have a stainless inline that was given to me that has only been shot with Triple 7 and Pyrodex and it still shines like a mirror. Has always been cleaned thoroughly with warm water with in a hour of shooting, and oiled before putting away. Not a fan of Pyrodex but seems some have issues like your bore and some don't.

 

[Jay Templin]

I posted a video on here a year or two ago showing how slowly Pyrodex ignites in a matchlock. I personally would not use the stuff in a hand gonne if I was actually hoping to hit something.
Jay