Convert to the Holy Black

Nuthatch · Mar 21, 2022

For those of you who have been shooting real black powder for decades, this will certainly seem like I have just now received a firm grasp of the obvious. But I figured I'd share for the sake of others who may be, like me, a bit early in their journey.

I've been messing around with muzzleloaders for 3-4 years now. Started with a cap gun and Pyrodex. I figured that was all I'd ever really need.

But after I picked up a couple of flintlocks this year & was forced to find a way to feed those things, I got to try out real black powder -- some homemade and some bought. While it is necessary for the flintlocks, I figured I'd keep using the Pyrodex on my percussion guns. Ignition delays with percussion/Pyrodex were only slight but also common. It's faster than a flintlock but still feels noticeably slower than a modern weapon. I figured that was just how it went.

But then, just a couple months ago, I tried black powder in the percussion guns. Wow! While Pyrodex and CCI caps would give a very slight delay every few shots, real black powder feels almost like I'm shooting a modern weapon. I also have gotten better at making my own caps to feed those percussion guns. These caps have gotten more reliable and much more consistent ignition than anything I've bought pre-made. The combination of shooting real black powder with my own homemade caps has converted me to the church of the Holy Black. It's just better -- by a longshot. Now I know. I'm converted.

Now I have to figure out what I'm going to do with those cans of Pyrodex in the cupboard.

doubleset · Mar 21, 2022

Nuthatch said:
... real black powder feels almost like I'm shooting a modern weapon

Not to me. Not even close. But it's FUN!

Andrewmtnman · Mar 21, 2022

Nuthatch said:
For those of you who have been shooting real black powder for decades, this will certainly seem like I have just now received a firm grasp of the obvious. But I figured I'd share for the sake of others who may be, like me, a bit early in their journey.

I've been messing around with muzzleloaders for 3-4 years now. Started with a cap gun and Pyrodex. I figured that was all I'd ever really need.

But after I picked up a couple of flintlocks this year & was forced to find a way to feed those things, I got to try out real black powder -- some homemade and some bought. While it is necessary for the flintlocks, I figured I'd keep using the Pyrodex on my percussion guns. Ignition delays with percussion/Pyrodex were only slight but also common. It's faster than a flintlock but still feels noticeably slower than a modern weapon. I figured that was just how it went.

But then, just a couple months ago, I tried black powder in the percussion guns. Wow! While Pyrodex and CCI caps would give a very slight delay every few shots, real black powder feels almost like I'm shooting a modern weapon. I also have gotten better at making my own caps to feed those percussion guns. These caps have gotten more reliable and much more consistent ignition than anything I've bought pre-made. The combination of shooting real black powder with my own homemade caps has converted me to the church of the Holy Black. It's just better -- by a longshot. Now I know. I'm converted.

Now I have to figure out what I'm going to do with those cans of Pyrodex in the cupboard.

I’ll send you my address. lol

Old Hawkeye · Mar 21, 2022

doubleset said:
Not to me. Not even close. But it's FUN!

Really? That's too bad! Wonder what you are doing wrong?

doubleset · Mar 21, 2022

Old Hawkeye said:
Really? That's too bad! Wonder what you are doing wrong?

You mean because I'm having fun? Yeah, I guess I'll try to work on that so I lose my view and experiences with modern firearms. But then I'd be having LESS fun than I am with both the old and the new now. I'm so confused about this. Somehow I'd thought I didn't have to think that two different things were the same in order to have fun with both. And I AM having fun with both even though I don't think shooting a BP muzzleloader feels almost like shooting my CZ 455. I'm really sick. I need help.

Old Hawkeye · Mar 21, 2022

doubleset said:
I'm really sick. I need help.

At least you got that part right!

akroguy · Mar 21, 2022

Anyone can put rounds from an AR, AK, Mini 14...etc, into a decent group. It takes TALENT and attention to detail to do that with a smoothie, or rifle musket, or Long rifle.

We do it because it is hard and that's what makes it so satisfying. I am, frankly, bored with the suppository guns. They are tools and nothing more. Front loaders are HERITAGE.

Whughett · Mar 21, 2022

If the BS gets sky deeper on this thread we are going to need a snorkel.

morehops52 · Mar 21, 2022

Now I have to figure out what I'm going to do with those cans of Pyrodex in the cupboard.
[/QUOTE]
I use mine in my thunder mugs... but real black is still better

morehops52 · Mar 21, 2022

I LOVE the smell of black powder in the morning!
Lt. Colonel morehops Kilgore

BP Addict · Mar 22, 2022

I had shot Caplocks with Pyrodex for decades. I got sucked into the “it burns cleaner with less pressure” claims.

When I moved back to Oregon, I could not get any decent groups. One of the clubs I shoot with bought powder by the case and sold it to the members. I started using it instead and accuracy improved greatly. I’ve switched to Flintlocks so BP all the way and for any percussion guns such as my wife’s long rifle or my loaner Hawken for family members and guests.

I’ve thought about making my own and actually have a club member with willow trees for the charcoal although I’ve thought about using fallen branches from my maple. I’m fortunate to live about 20 miles from a Muzzle Loader shop that sells it also.

Thanks!

Walt

Billy Boy · Mar 22, 2022

Only momentary delay I have ever had with Pyrodex in my cap guns was while deciding which deer was the biggest…

BP Addict · Mar 22, 2022

Billy Boy said:
Only momentary delay I have ever had with Pyrodex in my cap guns was while deciding which deer was the biggest…

As it should be!

Walt

BP Addict · Mar 22, 2022

Any delays with BP substitutes I've had were cured with swapping to Mountain State Muzzle Loading's Spitfire Magnum nipple.

If you're having a problem igniting Triple Seven in a sidelock, this will fix it!

Thanks!

Walt

Whughett · Mar 22, 2022

I get the sense many many folks use substitutes simply because it’s easy to obtain.

I started in the 80’s hunting with a front stuffer simply to extend my hunting season. Pyrodex was available at almost any gun store and even available in pellet form. With the pellets and sabot rounds a hunting rifle that was reliable and quick to reload was available to the average Joe who’s only interest was taking game. In lines we’re just coming into vogue then and made the transition from big game hunting rifles to Muzzleloaders easy and were simply better and more reliable for their intended purpose.

Henry Miles · Mar 22, 2022

Once you go black, you always come back...powder that is!

Okie Hog · Mar 22, 2022

Unholy black is far cruddier than any BP substitute. i won't be going back.

doubleset · Mar 22, 2022

akroguy said:
Anyone can put rounds from an AR, AK, Mini 14...etc, into a decent group. It takes TALENT and attention to detail to do that with a smoothie, or rifle musket, or Long rifle.

So how much match shooting have you done with those rifles you mention? Just curious.

1BadDart · Mar 22, 2022

I tried Pyrodex in my Great Plains caplock rifle back in the late 80's. It didn't like it so back to FF.

kyron4 · Mar 23, 2022

Okie Hog said:
Unholy black is far cruddier than any BP substitute. i won't be going back.

Really ? They seem about the same to me.

Convert to the Holy Black

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