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Pyrodex in a Flintlock?

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Joined
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Location
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I hear the real deal black powder is best. But I think I'd have an easier time making my own than trying to buy some around here. I'd like to try a flintlock but I've heard that Pyrodex and flinters don't mix. Or, at the least, I'd need some legit BP in the priming pan. Alas, the only loose powder I can find around here is Pyrodex in FFg or FFFg. Opinions, please. Can the substitutes work in flintlocks with good ignition? Or is it just an exercise in frustration?
 
Pyrodex will often fail to fire in a flintlock. It has a higher ignition temperature than pure black. Some shooters start with a 5-10 grain load of real black powder and then some Pyrodex over that. Sounds like a lot of fussing and won't solve your problem. You will need real black powder to prime, for sure.

You can order Black Powder to be shipped to your home. I like The Maine Powder House (google it). Nice folks to deal with and fast service.

ADK Bigfoot
 
If you can get even 1 lb of real black there is the option to load 10-20gr of black and then follow that with the rest of the charge being Pyrodex. But use Real black in the pan for prime.
 
I have not tried straight Pyrodex in my flintlocks but have shot quite a bit with a “kicker” of 15 grains of 4f or 3f black under a Pyrodex RS or P main charge. I primed with 4f or 3f and noticed no difference in ignition. I did this fool thing because I ended up with several pounds of Pyrodex from china-mart marking it down to $5 a pound on occasion and me being unable to pass up cheap powder.
 
I have a little 2oz flask that has a 15 grain spout. Serves to prime and give a kicker to a pyrodex charge.
you might want to check out Hoffman historic on you tube for a source for cheap black powder. At 20 grains per shot, 5 prime and 15in the barrel, one would get about 350 shots and 45 shots for a 2oz priming horn or small flask
 
I hear the real deal black powder is best. But I think I'd have an easier time making my own than trying to buy some around here. I'd like to try a flintlock but I've heard that Pyrodex and flinters don't mix. Or, at the least, I'd need some legit BP in the priming pan. Alas, the only loose powder I can find around here is Pyrodex in FFg or FFFg. Opinions, please. Can the substitutes work in flintlocks with good ignition? Or is it just an exercise in frustration?
Not sure where ‘around here’ is (your user profile doesn’t give us a clue), but if your are somewhere in the US Lower 48 you can have black powder delivered. And just maybe there is a LGS that carries it. If you already have the Pyrodex and a flintlock, try it for yourself. Won’t hurt anything, except maybe your pride it there are witnesses and it doesn’t work. The FFFg Pyrodex would likely be easier to light up.
 
One thing to remember about searching for black powder locally is that, you have to ask. Most local gun shops (LGS) won't have anything on display to let you know they have it. They can't put it on a shelf as I must be kept in a magazine that meets ATF specifications.
Call around. Especially those older local shops that always seem to have cool older unmentionables.
 
I have used Pdex in muzzle loaders for many years. Key factor is a thorough cleaning after no matter what you use. I have refined down pdex for use in the pan. It seems to have always worked for me with little lag upon ignition. Key is to try different things and methods.
 
You must've had a hot lock. The ersatz powders have always let me down. Had a good lock, took three tries usually to make it go off. Some stuff called Frontier Black Powder. I began to develop a flinch because I didn't know if it would go off!! Used the left over fake black powder for fun with the kids, went to Goex FFFg and my troubles went away!!
 
In a pinch I have used real BP -about 5 grains-under a load of a synthetic powder-don't recall which one-
Real BP in the pan. It went off nearly every time w/o a hitch. This was in my N/W trade gun. I concur with others, you have to ask for real BP as it's kept in a powder magazine usually behind the counter. Some gun shops don't bother with it. I also order it online, the only issue being the Haz Mat fee you have to pay to have it shipped. If you can go in with a couple of others and order enough for all of you - then you will only pay one haz mat fee.
 
If you check around you might be surprised to find nearby muzzle loader shops that carry everything you would ever need. I have 3 in the general area that I know of and most likely others outside the range I feel like driving.
 
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