Pyrodex shortage, newbie question

[Akblackdawg]

I was out yesterday on the hunt for some pyrodex. I could find pellets but not powder. Thinking about using a much smaller load of powder down the barrel and then a pellet or two on top with ball and patch on it. This to preserve my powder for hunting. If I use apricot same grain volume with this mid will it be dangerous or damage my rifle.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Tell us more about your rifle. What caliber and what size pellets?

Apricot pits (about, ain't spell check wonderful?) can be a little large for a 20 gauge and it takes a lot of wadding to seal the bore.

You will have better results if you find the powder. Triple Seven may be available.

 

[Okie Hog]

Thinking about using a much smaller load of powder down the barrel and then a pellet or two on top with ball and patch on it.

No need to do that.

Pyrodex pellets will work in a well maintained conventional muzzleloader. Those pellets have a black powder igniter on one end.

 

[leadhoarder]

Powder valley and midway have plenty of GOEX brand black powder in stock. It is cheaper than what pyrodex goes for and most folks think it is superior In other words once you go black you never go back.

 

[JohnnieT]

I shoot a lot of Pyrodex and have had no problems finding it locally (both loose powder and pellets). Have to think outside the box sometimes when the local gun store doesn’t have it, but here’s where I check:

Walmart. It may not be on the shelf outside of hunting season, but they might have it around.Asking has worked out for me a couple times.
Farm and home stores. We have TSC, Rural King, and Orschlein’s all with a few miles.
Camping World. Gander Mountain became Gander Outdoors which was then recently bought out by Camping World. They still seem to have plenty on the shelves for now.

 

[FishDFly]

Camping World., have even found caps there and some other BP stuff. They even had a couple of kits.

 

[user 36911]

Using pellets and powder together doesn't sound like an accurate load.

Why not buy more online? It's only money.

Better yet. Use black powder. I tried to not say that but I couldn't help myself.

 

[FishDFly]

Pyrodex has a limited shelf life, BP does not.

 

[deermanok]

Not knowing your location, can't say to go here or there. I found Pyrodex and Triple 7 in a lawn and garden store in Texas recently.
You can order real black powder or substitutes online. Pricier doing it that way because of shipping and hazmat fees but at least you can get it.

 

[bubba.50]

Pyrodex has a limited shelf life, BP does not.

I’ve heard that rumor. Once found one of the old cardboard cans that had rattled around on the back of my pickup for 2 or 3 years or longer, long enough that the cardboard was deteriorating. Shook it up good to bust up the clumps and tried it. If it lost anything you’d need a chronograph to tell it.

 

[Whitworth]

I’ve heard that rumor. Once found one of the old cardboard cans that had rattled around on the back of my pickup for 2 or 3 years or longer, long enough that the cardboard was deteriorating. Shook it up good to bust up the clumps and tried it. If it lost anything you’d need a chronograph to tell it.

Heard the same thing but my brother just finished off a can he bought in the mid 80's to use it up.

 

[Mark Herman]

Pyrodex is, has been and always will be 2nd rate powder. Not worth the effort, or cost, you are going to when Goex, Swiss and others are available.

 

[The Crisco Kid]

Black Powder Matters!

 

[LeonardC]

OP might check with Bi-Mart.

Sportsman Warehouse may be able to help you out as well.

 

[Billy Boy]

Pyrodex has a limited shelf life, BP does not.

I’m burning 8-10 yr old Pyrodex RS and P (friend passed on). It works just fine. I have had shelf life issues coupla times with Triple 7 3f that was 5 + years old.

 

[Larry P]

I have some pyrodex pistol powder I know for fact that is 30 years old and it's still good. Shelve life??

 

[sussexmuzllodr]

key word. Propellant. Enough said...

 

[Akblackdawg]

Found some. Ty all

 

[mingo]

I won't use Pyrodex. It's unholy.
That said, I found about half a can in my shed that was over 20 years old.
I tried it out of curiosity in a .58 Springfield and it worked fine.
Gave the remainder away.

 

[toot]

PYRODEX. is bad JU, JU. and no good !!