Which propellant?

[airborne1]

I have a .32 cal Crockett that I'm putting together and was wondering what propellant to use as black powder is scarce in my area.

What would be best pyrodex fff, or, 777 fff?

Which is more consistent and cleaner?

This is new to me so sorry for the simple questions.

 

[coloradoclyde]

When I had a CVA squirrel rifle I used pyrodex P
and The real stuff..Goex 3f

I preferred the pryrodex P over the goex because I could get more shots between swabbing.
And it shot better.

Haven't tried 777

 

[mooman76]

You will get different answers according to what each person prefers. I have no problems using Pyrodex P or 3f if you prefer. I have never tried 777 yet. I prefer the real stuff which allot of people will tell you but I will use whatever I can get that works.

 

[airborne1]

Traditions manual states fff, so that's what I'm going by. Thanks for the reply.

 

[pwbsmokey]

Real BP is also hard to get where I live. So far for me, triple 7 is what I like best. I have 1lb. of Goex and I really want to try it out.

 

[coloradoclyde]

3f what.?

 

[coloradoclyde]

The Traditions manual states that the warranty will be void if you use anything other than blackpowder or pyrodex and it also recommends 3f blackpowder and pyrodex P

 

[mooman76]

Pyrodex goes by "P" and "RS". P is for pistol and is equivalent FFF and RS if for rifle/shotgun and is equivalent to FF. One powder may be a little cleaner than another and sometimes it differs according to the loads and who is shooting it or what each gun likes. The way I look at it, it still has to be cleaned and cleaned good no matter whether it is a little dirty or allot.

 

[necchi]

3f what.?

Pyrodex P is their fff
Pyrodex R is their ff
airborne1, with your experience I'd think your best off with the Pyrodex for now.

 

[airborne1]

I read a thread online that stated that black powder would not be on the shelves in gun shops, and that you have to ask for it.
If that's true, I never knew. Next time I will ask the clerk for it and see what happens.

 

[coloradoclyde]

3f what.?

Pyrodex P is their fff
Pyrodex R is their ff
airborne1, with your experience I'd think your best off with the Pyrodex for now.

Yes! I know.....
That's why I was asking the OP seemed to be a bit confused.....
I also agree with you that pyrodex P will serve him just fine...... :thumbsup:

 

[Flint311]

Black powder is available in west Michigan, just have to ask around :wink:

 

[coloradoclyde]

I read a thread online that stated that black powder would not be on the shelves in gun shops, and that you have to ask for it.
If that's true, I never knew. Next time I will ask the clerk for it and see what happens.

Yes that is very true at many places and few places even sell real black powder...

And NEVER take advice from a guy behind a sales counter.....especially corporate owned retailers.

 

[airborne1]

Pyrodex P, it will be. Thanks for the help!

 

[Cowboy]

Pyrodex P and Goex 3F are measured in the same amount of grains in volume, But 777 if my memory serves me right takes 15% less in grain volume to obtain the same load data as the other two. Ive used 777 2F in my muzzleloaders for 50 Cal. and above. Also used Pyrodex P in my revolvers and used Goex 3F and 2F in my muzzleloaders. Never had any problems with any of them. I personally prefer Goex BP over the others but am well stocked up on all three Propellants. As far as wich one burns cleaner or leaves less residue, it doesn't matter to me. As already mentioned, clean is clean after you get back from the range. I have not seen any differences in my cleaning routine. Does not matter what I use as far as a propellant, the amount and time in cleaning is always the same for me. You just have to find out what your muzzleloader likes the best. Respectfully, cowboys1062

 

[Rokon]

And don't overlook BLACKmz. In the small bores, it burns cleaner than any other product. I use it in .25 and .30 caliber longrifles with complete satisfaction. Grain size is not an issue with Blackmz

 

[airborne1]

Necchi,

Could you please explain why I would be better off using pyrodex as opposed to black powder because of my lack of experience?

Understand that I am not questioning, nor am I disagreeing with your opinion, but I would like to better understand!

Thanks for all of the replies.

Also, I've never heard of "blackmz".

 

[coloradoclyde]

Here are some of my observations about different powders base on my usage.......

Pyrodex p--- Easiest to find, medium priced, most corrosive of the substitutes, works great, fouls less than real bp.

Real BP----- hardest to find, cheapest price, easiest to clean, easiest to ignite, the standard by which all others are measured. also the only powder that works 100% in flintlocks.

Black MZ----- somewhat difficult to find, expensive (twice the price of bp), can be difficult to ignite compared to others, cleanest burning of the subs, least corrosive of the subs.
Also the most difficult to meter.


Availability, price, application, and gun preference are the deciding factors in what I use.


P.S. Black MZ is a BP substitute made by Alliant powder co. it came out several years ago.
I should also not that many of the BP substitutes that are available are designed more for modern inlines, rather than traditional rifles...Pyrodex being the exception.

 

[bigted]

I am not exactly sure why the real black powder is hard to find here in the lower 48. even in Alaska we had no trouble finding it ... just was a bit more expensive.

were I you I would go to Powder inc. and order a 5 pound order to the tune of around 22 or 23 dollars per pound of GOEX "old Ensford" 3Fg powder or KIK 3Fg powder. these are real black powders and do well for shooting small bore guns. they deliver to your door and the more powder you order ... the cheaper it is.

I would much rather see or hear of you using good old black powder instead of the aftermarket stuff that is trying to compete with the original article.

not that the pyro wouldn't work ... just plain ol BP is better in all respects in my humble opinion ... easier to ignite, clean, and more accurate in my usage. less apt to rust after stored for a while and this is the powder these guns were meant to use in the first place.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I read a thread online that stated that black powder would not be on the shelves in gun shops, and that you have to ask for it.
If that's true, I never knew. Next time I will ask the clerk for it and see what happens.

"Online" advice is always open to question. Even here. :wink:
Some gun shops may choose to not display bp. Law requires storing in a certain type of container. Some stores may have empty bp cans on display. Others, yes, you will have to ask for it. BP can be mail ordered.
Traditional ml shooting is an attempt to relive the old "traditional" ways. For that bp is, IMHO, an essential. It is available, albiet with some work and expense.