Pyrodex or black powder

[Bob Thompson]

For all you black powder shooters and handloaders. It seems as though many BP shooters think black powder is better than Pyrodex and I was wondering why? I have loaded Pyrodex only in muzzeloaders for many years and am now loading it in 45-70 cartridges for a Sharps with good results. Is there a definate advantage to Goex or one of the other black powders? I like the clean burning and easy cleanup of Pyrodex but is there an avantage other than for purists?

 

[John Lawson]

Yes, for some guns. I take it that you have never tried Pyrodex in a flintlock. You quickly learn what they mean by flash in the pan!
Pyrodex works beautifully in caplock guns. I prefer R-S granulation in my .44 Colt Walker over the finer pistol granulation. I just pour it full, seat a ball, seal, cap and fire.

 

[flatlander]

Bob: Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Silhouette has become so competitive that if there were ANY advantage to using Pyrodex, you can be certain everyone would be using it in matches. It's just not even close to as accurate in the BPCRS calibers, which of course includes the 45-70. There was a batch of Goex CTG. grade late last year that gave really crappy accuracy, but the stuff I bought in '96 was pretty good powder. I got a case of Goex FFg two years ago that shot very good groups, too. Real black cleans up easy too, and there are some imported powders becoming available now that, while expensive, are quite a bit better than what Goex has been putting out. One is a Swiss powder, and Elephant from Brazil has been working at improving their product too. I've been away from BPCRS this past season due to my rifle being repaired, so I'm sure there are lots more developments going on than I'm aware of.