III. Firearm Information by Type

F. Black Powder Firearms

1. Black Powder Propellants

By Josh Grosse (jdg00@juts.ccc.amdahl.com)

So, just what is Black Powder?

It is the original gunpowder, a blend of saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal. Born before recorded history, and in use as a propellant for many centuries, it was only “recently” supplanted by modern smokeless propellants in the last 100-110 years.

What can I use it with?

Many different kinds of black powder firearms are available. In muzzleloaders, one can obtain exacting replicas of famous rifles; or functional, inexpensive kits; even modern design composite-stocked, in-line ignition rifles with optics and saboted bullets. There are breech loaders, muskets, rifled muskets, shotguns, musketoons, revolvers, pistols, double-barrelled rifles, carbines, heck -- even a Japanese Matchlock can be acquired.

Shotshell shooters can use muzzleloading shotguns, or use black powder shells. Metallic cartridge shooters have an array of cartridges available, including some old-time black powder cartridges which survive today in smokeless form, such as the 30-30 and the 45/70. However, there are a number of black powder only cartridges in use, too, such as the 50-100 and the 38-55.

What kinds of Black Powder are there?

Black powder is available in several grades. The most common grades are FFg, for rifles and shotguns, FFFg, for pistols and revolvers, and FFFFg, for priming flintlocks.

Not every store that sells firearms and smokeless propellants carry black powder, due to its explosive properties. But there are black powder substitutes. These substitutes go by the trade names Pyrodex and Black Canyon.

How is black powder diferent than smokeless propellants?

Black powder is messy, smelly, smoky, and corrosive, and not as safe to handle or store as smokeless powders. But black powder firearms offer fun, history, and drama with every shot. Part of the fun, I will admit, is the smell and the smoke. And with muzzleloaders, one learns to enjoy the “contemplative” rate of fire.

Ok, then. What is Pyrodex, and why is it all I can find around here?

Pyrodex is the proprietary trade name for a black powder “compatible” propellant manufactured by Hodgdson, one of the market leaders in smokeless propellants. Pyrodex, though, is not a smokeless propellant. I understand that it is formulated from black powder, but it has undergone chemical treatments that cause it to have a higher ignition temperature.

Pyrodex is volumetrically equivalent to black powder. Do not measure Pyrodex by weight.

Black powder can be ignited by impact or static electricity. It can cause an explosion when ignited, even when not tightly enclosed. It must be transported and stored as an explosive. Pyrodex is somewhat safer, and can legally be transported and stored in similar fashion to modern smokeless propellants.

A store which sells Pyrodex has far less trouble with regulators, insurance companies, and shipping firms than one which sells black powder. Therefore, it is more readily available.

Why do the guys on the net, and at the range, put Pyrodex down?

Pyrodex has a higher ignition temperature than black powder, some firearms don’t ignite it as readily.

Should misfires occur when your firearm has been cleaned, prepped, and loaded properly, and you only have Pyrodex available, contact your firearm manufacturer. They may have optional equipment available that could improve reliability.

Some manufacturers offer special percussion nipples for using Pyrodex, others have special ignition systems which use centerfire primers rather than percussion caps.

There have also been concerns about shot-to-shot variability. Hodgdson now markets a premium product called Pyrodex RS Select, which uses more consistant grain sizes than their standard FFg compatible product, Pyrodex RS.

Ok, then what is Black Canyon powder?

Black Canyon is a synthetic black powder replacement that entered the market in 1994. It is non- corrosive. Unlike Pyrodex, Black Canyon load measurements require a conversion factor. Follow the manufacturers instructions, exactly.

Reports in rec.guns describe the product as producing less smoke, no sulfur stink, and much less powder fouling. Reports also mention requiring a compressed load in order to function with consistent velocities and without misfires. At this time (January ‘96), I understand it is only available in one grade.

Black powder and Pyrodex are corrosive. What does this mean?

It means your firearm must be cleaned the same day you shoot it, even if you only fire it once. If you don’t fire it, you won’t have to clean it. Unfired powder is not corrosive, and may, when legal, remain in your muzzleloader or percussion revolver without fear of corrosion -- misfire, maybe -- but not corrosion.

Corrosive powders leave various complex salt compounds in the barrel and action. Just like road salt on a car, these salts attract moisture, and the moisture will cause corrosion. And just like a car, one wants to remove the salts as soon as possible to minimize the rusting.

Hot water and liquid dish soap will dissolve the salts. You can also use a black powder solvent.

The general consensus seems to be that soap and water is recommended when plumbing is available, and black powder solvents at other times.

The percussion caps I have seen for sale have been non-corrosive. To me, this means that if you use non- corrosive caps, you can fire a few to burn away oil or grease from your nipple and flash hole after taking your unloaded firearm from storage; then load with black powder and not need to clean the firearm until it is fired.

Soap and water?

Soap and water remove the salts that attract moisture from the air. After cleaning, just dry the firearm, then lubricate both inside and out with a water displacing oil. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions; there may be some components that shouldn’t be cleaned in water.

What else do I need to know about black powder?

It won’t go off if it is wet, moist, or damp. Remember, “Keep your powder dry.” For example, you might want to cover your flintlock from the elements when afield. And, if you’re on a multiple day hunt, you may want to unload your muzzleloader each day, if possible, and replace it with a fresh charge.

Once again, black powder is more dangerous than smokeless powder. Never smoke around it, don’t store percussion caps with it, and keep it separately from your smokeless powders, so you’ll never confuse them.

Black powder firearms are just as deadly as “modern” ones. All standard firearm safety rules apply. Some extra rules apply to muzzleloaders and percussion revolvers. Of course, you should now how to confirm your firearm is unloaded, and you should know its safety systems, if it has any.