The best non BP choice

[The Miner '49er]

Specifically, which of the faux BP powder products is the best for use with a patched round ball in a caplock rifle and why? Please don't waste time saying that subs are for sissies or other such time-wasting comments, and yes, I am aware of the additional corrosive properties of BP substitutes. Thanks for all who offer their wisdom.

 

[brushblind]

Triple Seven would be my choice! It burns cleaner, it's not bad as far as corrosion goes, about 10 to 15% hotter than BP, doesn't turn to goop like Pyrodex does if you forget to screw the lid on tight. Very easy cleanup just like BP. Never put off cleaning and oiling with any BP or substitute!

 

[64Springer]

T7

Crappy Spanish barrels love the stuff.

 

[earlwb]

Actually it is whatever you can get. 777 works fine as do the other BP propellant substitutes. BH209 is arguably the best but it is very expensive though.

 

[TDM]

777 is pretty good, I still have a couple of pounds. Used it in an unmentionable I have after straying off the path years ago. But as long as you clean properly Pyrodex is fine too.

Disclaimer: use real BP.

 

[Eutycus]

Availability could be a deciding factor.

 

[azmntman]

My all time favorite was Black MZ (no longer available). After that Triple 7 3F all day long. Pyrodex would be next but would NEVER choose over T7 (I'm sure others would be like me reversed). Try em and see, each gun like what it likes.

 

[SDSmlf]

which of the faux BP powder products is the best for use with a patched round ball in a caplock rifle and why?

Though many love it, personally not a fan of Pyrodex because of corrosion issues. I have seen stainless pitted from the stuff. T7 performs similar to Pyrodex and is a bit more energetic, plus doesn’t seem to have the corrosive properties of Pyrodex, though it has a reputation of leaving a tough crud ring in the bore that may need to be addressed. In limited testing found it more difficult to light up consistently with percussion caps and would only use in hunting situations with musket caps to avoid disappointment. Both Pyrodex and T7 have reputations of degrading because of moisture, and personally will put desiccant packs in either after initial opening. Exception would be if one lived in the desert or arid climate. Shockey’s stuff was easy to clean, but gave inconsistent velocities. Not a fan.

It all depends what you can easily get locally. Guessing Ohio is very restrictive as far as what you can purchase locally and store.

 

[necchi]

2F T7.
Use a hot-shot styled nipple. My preferred nip is the Knight Red Hot. It has an .032 orifice and will accept all #11 caps
With either a drum or snail type breech, be sure to "rap/knock" the side of the rife after dumping the powder charge to be sure the powder is in the fire channel.
A clean and dry fire channel is always key, but more so with the high temp burn rate of the subs.
p.s. preferred cap is RWS 1076, 1076+ or CCI Mag
p.p.s the stuff is spendy now-a-days $30+ in my neck of the woods!

 

[rusticbob]

T7 seems to work good in my caplocks

 

[Okie Hog]

The best available powder for conventional rifles and patched balls is Shooters World Multi Purpose Black 3F: It lights easier than Triple Seven. Shooters World likes a tight fitting ball seated hard on the powder.

https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/83678

 

[Frontier's]

Pyrodex p

 

[RMH]

I have had good luck with Triple 7. I used it in my Lyman GPR, and a couple of inlines. I do get a "crud ring" and have to be careful to clean/swab every 3 shots or so, or risk hanging a ball short of the powder charge.

 

[Juice Jaws]

Specifically, which of the faux BP powder products is the best for use with a patched round ball in a caplock rifle and why? Please don't waste time saying that subs are for sissies or other such time-wasting comments, and yes, I am aware of the additional corrosive properties of BP substitutes. Thanks for all who offer their wisdom.

Waste of time, use real Black Powder

 

[Johnny Tremain]

Have lots of holy black and 2 cans of 777, for the one revolver.
At 30 grains, it has a better wallop than the black.

 

[LANEY REECE]

My caplocks like T7, easy to clean

 

[Nuthatch]

Whatever is the easiest to find. They all work.

My experience with Pyrodex is that it needs a hotter ignition than BP. Regular caps ignite BP just fine. With Pyrodex, I must always snap a cap in between shots. Failing to do this once, I might get away with it. Failing twice, I'll be getting a hang fire. Using homemade caps helps as those things are just plain hotter.

 

[Sparkitoff]

It makes a difference. I have a few that perform best with T7 (accuracy and velocity) and some that are best with Pyro RS or P. One cap rifle is unreliable with T7 but totally reliable with Pyro P. I think you either use what you can get or you get more than one and figure out what works best.

 

[maillemaker]

I have no problems with any substitutes. Use whatever gets you out shooting!

 

[gunpa]

Since Black MZ is gone use T7 and a musket cap.