pyrodex problem

[alisal]

I have been using pyrodex R.S. Its very hard to get black in this liberal state of Calif. Im getting a pop-bang every once in a while. Not what I would call a hang fire. Been using remington (f.c.)caps. Do i need a hotter cap? tks

 

Try the CCI Magnum caps!! :thumbsup:

YMHS
rollingb

 

[jim gray]

I use Remington caps in my revolvers and have no problem with either pyrodex P, or pellets.

Is your drum vented? If not it may be slowing down ignition slightly.

Since the revolvers' caps have a straight path to the powder they may ignite more quickly and reliably with pyrodex. Too bad you can't get BP.

 

[roundball]

I have been using pyrodex R.S. Its very hard to get black in this liberal state of Calif. Im getting a pop-bang every once in a while. Not what I would call a hang fire. Been using remington (f.c.)caps. Do i need a hotter cap? tks

Two things I learned to do when I used Pyrodex-RS in TC Hawken sidelock percussions:

1) After dropping the main charge, I bump-bumped the side of the rifle in the lock area to ensure the powder charge settled all the way down, and a few kernals of powder would also make their way into the fire channel from the nipple;

2) I switched to CCI#11 magnum caps when they became available;


PS: But from someone who used Pyrodex for several years, then switched to Goex, my best advice would be to try some Goex FFFg...it'll solve your ignition problems for sure.
When I switched from percussions to flintlocks I had to use real BP and was so shocked at how fast, clean, and accurate Goex was compared to Pyrodex, I switched all my percussions over to Goex too...outstanding powder.
:redthumb:

 

[Bushwhacker]

I have been using pyrodex R.S. Its very hard to get black in this liberal state of Calif.

Order a case of GOEX BP from COONIE'S. They're located in Hobbs, NM. It can be delivered to your door by UPS :redthumb:

 

[Zonie]

While your waiting for your Goex, make sure the cap is not on the nipple and the hammer is at half cock while your loading.

This assures the hole in the nipple is open for air to escape thru when your ramming the ball.
This escaping air will blow some of the loose powder back thru the fire channel so it's under the nipple and ready to go.

There are several people on this forum who found their hang fires completly vanished when they remembered to do this. ::

 

[brushbuster]

zonie is dead on right,the only thing i can add is to get a hot shot nipple,i never has a hang fire once i did that

 

[jaybeach]

Right on to both suggestions:
1) use a "hot" cap
2) use a nipple with a slightly larger flash hole.
I too had some "pop-bangs" until I did these two things. :thumbsup:

 

[alisal]

Zonie-great suggestion I have always had hammer down when loading. tks

 

[Big John]

Had the same problem with my Hawken, switched to pyro. select, problem solved. Now use 777 3f, more velocity but need to cut down charge 20% :m2c:

 

[shmrck1]

1 of the best ideas that i've heard of that works :imo:
snake-eyes eace: :thumbsup:

 

[Herb]

Brushbuster and Jaybe mention hot shot nipples. I found them necessary for Triple 7 powder, and they made Pyrodex work better, too. Track of the Wolf sells a Hot Shot nipple for $4.95, Wal Mart here has a Thompson Center Hot Shot nipple for about $4.50, and Muzzleloader Builder Supply (479-292-8866) has a Spitfire Stainless Steel No.11 nipple for $3.25. These are all 1/4x28" threads.

 

[CoyoteJoe]

Ditto to all of above responses and you might want to try Pyrodex P. It works just fine in rifles and the smaller granules are more able to work down into the flash channel which in many percussion rifles is way too small to start with. If you switch to "P",. I'd reduce the volume by about 25% from your "RS" load, although the Lyman Blackpowder handbook shows there really isn't that much difference.

 

[roundball]

Just a couple of FYI's...

TC's Hot Shot nipples are the Uncle Mike's Hot Shot nipple;
Builders Supply substituted some 'Spitfire' nipples on me one time when I had ordered Hot Shot, and they were junk by comparison to a Hot Shot...sent them back for a refund.
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