Getting into Black Powder shooting

[BigAl52]

Graffs is a good place to order BP to PT. I would get 3f for that pistol. I have a brand new never fired Patriot at home. I will get a pic of it when I return.

[PT7]

Graffs is a good place to order BP to PT. I would get 3f for that pistol. I have a brand new never fired Patriot at home. I will get a pic of it when I return.

Thanks, Al. Been getting some suggestions from Henry Folk on resources for BP shooting. Will add yours into my list.
I'm looking forward to the photos of your Patriot, too.

BTW, I'm just starting to read about Pyrodex, which is totally new stuff to me. Looks like an alternative to traditional BPs? Sure is interesting...

PT7

[mlrifleNY]

Hey PT7, Pyrodex should work well in you percussion pistol. Keep in mind that all the black powder sub's are as corrosive if not more than good old black. Make sure that you clean it very well. I shoot only black powder but most of my rifles and 1 pistol are all flintlocks.

Jim

[PT7]

Hey PT7, Pyrodex should work well in you percussion pistol. Keep in mind that all the black powder sub's are as corrosive if not more than good old black. Make sure that you clean it very well. I shoot only black powder but most of my rifles and 1 pistol are all flintlocks.

Jim

Appreciate the comments, Jim. So far, I learn something new from about everything I get back in this BP thread. Your above comment, "all the black powder sub's are as corrosive if not more than good old black," is a perfect example. I will keep an eye open for info on that comparison as I figure out what to use.

Yup, I've already heard a lot about a good cleaning for the BP firearm. No problem there for this "cleaning nut."

Thanks.
PT7

[GunnyGene]

Graffs is a good place to order BP to PT. I would get 3f for that pistol. I have a brand new never fired Patriot at home. I will get a pic of it when I return.

Thanks, Al. Been getting some suggestions from Henry Folk on resources for BP shooting. Will add yours into my list.
I'm looking forward to the photos of your Patriot, too.

BTW, I'm just starting to read about Pyrodex, which is totally new stuff to me. Looks like an alternative to traditional BPs? Sure is interesting...

PT7

There's some others besides Pyrodex also - Triple7, etc. The main difference between "real" BP and others (besides some chemical difference) is a more consistent grain size. Open up a can of BP and pour a little out next to some Pyrodex and you'll notice it immediately. Lot's of different brand names of all of them. Here's a link: https://www.powdervalleyinc.com/product ... es/page/2/

Pelletized powders are generally easier to find, but I don't know if you can use it in your gun. I've pretty much switched to pellets for my revolver, simply because they are easier to load and have a consistent volume - I use 30gr, and measuring and pouring it into the cyl, is tedious and messy. I did make a simple loading stand (below) with some scrap walnut and a hinge, but you can buy various designs also.

[GunnyGene]

Very cool. Check out the "October Country" website for great stuff related to mountain man era. I still would like to own an 1847 Walker and shoot it BP. I will enjoy reading about your journey with this pistol.

Is it maple?

They are fun. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. In case you need stuff for it (patches, balls, powder, accessories, etc.) this is my go to supplier:

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/

Gunny and RR,

Appreciate the pointers to "October Country" and "Track of the Wolf" sites. Did a quick skim through and checked out the cast round balls they make...an easy starting place since I've learned that the Trapper should use a round ball sized .490". Both suppliers you guys shared offer that ammo. Gives me an idea of cost/100 (will keep on with more comparison shopping). I'll be looking more at these sites as I learn this muzzle loader.

And thanks that you fellows said shooting BP is enjoyable and fun. That's just fine with me.


RR,
Could be maple. Not found any wood identification yet. The marketing write up only says the pistol "has a select hardwood stock." It's one of the things I'd like to find out since I love wood furniture.

Btw, since no one else has mentioned it, you're not limited to round balls. You can also load it with birdshot. You'll need 2 different sizes of wads, an over powder wad and an over shot wad. Both .510 dia. The over powder wad is thicker. I'd suggest any birdshot up to about #4 and of the approx same weight load as the round ball. You can buy shot flasks, or make shot holders out of 1/2" id plastic tubing or similar that you can load with shot in advance, taped or otherwise closed up of course.

Btw, BP can be a expensive hobby if you really get into it.

Wads:

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/172/2

Shot dippers and flasks:

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/100/1

[PT7]

~~~There's some others besides Pyrodex also - Triple7, etc. The main difference between "real" BP and others (besides some chemical difference) is a more consistent grain size. Open up a can of BP and pour a little out next to some Pyrodex and you'll notice it immediately. Lot's of different brand names of all of them. Here's a link: https://www.powdervalleyinc.com/product ... es/page/2/

Pelletized powders are generally easier to find, but I don't know if you can use it in your gun….I did make a simple loading stand with some scrap walnut and a hinge, but you can buy various designs also.

~~~Btw, since no one else has mentioned it, you're not limited to round balls. You can also load it with birdshot. You'll need 2 different sizes of wads, an over powder wad and an over shot wad. Both .510 dia.

~~~Btw, BP can be a expensive hobby if you really get into it.

Liked the handy revolver stand you built. Any wood products appeal to me, especially hand-made. Nice build.

At the supplier link you sent, there was a section listed "Black Powder and Substitutes." I clicked on that, and there were 33 options. Almost too many! As far as the pelletized, I don't know either...yet. Need to get the P1100 instruction manual in hand. And birdshot is not on my radar. Didn't know this pistol could handle that ammo.

Yes, agreed. I've learned in the short number of years I've been into firearms as a hobby, all of it is expensive. The deeper you go after this stuff, the thinner the wallet gets!

[GunnyGene]

~~~There's some others besides Pyrodex also - Triple7, etc. The main difference between "real" BP and others (besides some chemical difference) is a more consistent grain size. Open up a can of BP and pour a little out next to some Pyrodex and you'll notice it immediately. Lot's of different brand names of all of them. Here's a link: https://www.powdervalleyinc.com/product ... es/page/2/

Pelletized powders are generally easier to find, but I don't know if you can use it in your gun….I did make a simple loading stand with some scrap walnut and a hinge, but you can buy various designs also.

~~~Btw, since no one else has mentioned it, you're not limited to round balls. You can also load it with birdshot. You'll need 2 different sizes of wads, an over powder wad and an over shot wad. Both .510 dia.

~~~Btw, BP can be a expensive hobby if you really get into it.

Liked the handy revolver stand you built. Any wood products appeal to me, especially hand-made. Nice build.

At the supplier link you sent, there was a section listed "Black Powder and Substitutes." I clicked on that, and there were 33 options. Almost too many! As far as the pelletized, I don't know either...yet. Need to get the P1100 instruction manual in hand. And birdshot is not on my radar. Didn't know this pistol could handle that ammo.

Yes, agreed. I've learned in the short number of years I've been into firearms as a hobby, all of it is expensive. The deeper you go after this stuff, the thinner the wallet gets!

I used to hang out on the Muzzleloadingforum, but haven't been active for quite awhile. Never the less, it's a good informative site you might be interested in.

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/

[Mistered]

Keep in mind that all the black powder sub's are as corrosive if not more than good old black.

I really like Pyrodex.
I couldn't find any BP locally and was 'forced' to try it and I was please with the results.
My experience is it has a bit more 'power' than BP and an edge in accuracy.
Barrel swabs between shots has been extended by about twice and it seems easier to clean than BP.
None of the means it is any LESS corrosive than BP and typical cleaning needs to be accomplished after shooting!

[GunnyGene]

Keep in mind that all the black powder sub's are as corrosive if not more than good old black.

I really like Pyrodex.
I couldn't find any BP locally and was 'forced' to try it and I was please with the results.
My experience is it has a bit more 'power' than BP and an edge in accuracy.
Barrel swabs between shots has been extended by about twice and it seems easier to clean than BP.
None of the means it is any LESS corrosive than BP and typical cleaning needs to be accomplished after shooting!

You could make your own. Lot's of not so great recipes on the web, but one of the most important parts is using the right wood for making the charcoal. Pine works best. Don't use the briquets you get from the grocery store - make your own from the dry wood. Making your own charcoal is easy, just have to keep oxygen away from the wood (including while cooling) and cook it. The other ingredients can be purchased (Potassium Nitrate and Sulfur).

[BigAl52]

I only use black never used any of the substitutes. If you are gonna go to the black side use the real stuff. Ive used swiss black powder for years and its hotter than the standard goex. Its also cleaner burning. It also cost more per pound. Goex has one now called Old Eynsford. Its supposed to be comparable to Swiss but I havent ever used it. You can buy black online through several suppliers in smaller quanities.

[JEBar]

when it comes to shooting black powder, like Al I've only used black powder .... my choice is/was FFF and yes, I know its commonly known as a pistol powder .... some folks told me that using FFF in a 50 caliber Hawken wasn't a good choice .... that said, the deer it put down and the holes it punched in match targets didn't seem to realize that .... by the way in my 1858 Remington 44 caliber FFF did its part but a sorry gun is a sorry gun

[PT7]

I ordered the Trapper P1100 last Friday, June 21st.
BGS emailed me a UPS track number yesterday.
The pistol is now on the KS side of the wide Missouri River, less than 30 miles south of me.
Projected to be delivered tomorrow before end of day.

This is the quickest new firearm order/ship I've experienced! I'm looking forward to having the Trapper in hand.

Photos and initial impression to come along soon.
Have a good day.
PT7

[JEBar]

Photos and initial impression to come along soon.

PT7

looking forward to seeing the pictures and reading your impressions

[Mistered]

some folks told me that using FFF in a 50 caliber Hawken wasn't a good choice.... that said, the deer it put down and the holes it punched in match targets didn't seem to realize that

I am using 3F in a .58 Cal with similar results!

[mlrifleNY]

I came to the lever action rifle late in life. I have been an avid black powder shooter for over 50 years. I used to shoot with the New York State flintlock team. All I use in all my rifles and 1 lone pistol is 3f. Be carful loading and have lots of fun for many years.

Jim

[Hewy]

PT7, Your getting into BP shooting for the first time using an early historical type pistol that is a good way to enter Black Powder Shooting. Appears your happy with the results. Once bitten ain't nothin going to slow ya down.
Just be aware you going to want to touch 1800s black powder revolvers. Then they will really get under your skin. Thats what happened to me.

Hope ypu don't get to far away from Henrys .The historical significance the Henry repeating rifle is second to none in my book.
Take a look at the two BP sites I gave , those guys are the best of the bunch.
Congratulations
Hewy

[RanchRoper]

That 1847 Colt Walker is calling PT....

[PT7]

Appreciate the compliment, Hewy, on my pistol choice. I like it a lot, and it is a good start for me in this BP adventure.
And I'll definitely check out the two BP sites.

PT7

PT7, Your getting into BP shooting for the first time using an early historical type pistol that is a good way to enter Black Powder Shooting. Appears your happy with the results. Once bitten ain't nothin going to slow ya down.
Just be aware you going to want to touch 1800s black powder revolvers. Then they will really get under your skin. Thats what happened to me.

Hope ypu don't get to far away from Henrys .The historical significance the Henry repeating rifle is second to none in my book.
Take a look at the two BP sites I gave , those guys are the best of the bunch.
Congratulations
Hewy

[PT7]

I must admit this, Ranch Roper. That is one very sharp-looking revolver.
Definitely don't "hear it calling;" however, easy to look at.

That 1847 Colt Walker is calling PT....