Pyrodex vs. Black Powder

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  • winch

    Ultimate Member
    Jan 14, 2011
    1,323
    Towson
    My cap and ball pistols really get gummed up. I'm using Pyrodex. Is real BP any "cleaner"? What are the pros/cons of Pyro vs, BP?
    Thanks!
     

    iH8DemLibz

    When All Else Fails.
    Apr 1, 2013
    25,396
    Libtardistan
    My cap and ball pistols really get gummed up. I'm using Pyrodex. Is real BP any "cleaner"? What are the pros/cons of Pyro vs, BP?
    Thanks!

    Really getting gummed up is going to happen regardless of what you stuff into it.

    Lots of grease on the rod the cylinder rotates on will help to get a few more shots out of it.

    But it's not a cure-all.
     

    John from MD

    American Patriot
    MDS Supporter
    May 12, 2005
    22,641
    Socialist State of Maryland
    1st, please tell us what model of revolver you are talking about. If it is a 1858 version, there are a few tricks that help some but mostly they need cleaning more often. Do you use waxed wads or grease over the top of the ball? I have found that using waxed wads and greasing a couple of chambers keeps my Remmys working longer, but not much longer. :lol2:

    Usually, Pyrodex will shoot longer before the cylinder starts locking up as it has less solids than Black Powder.
     

    Archeryrob

    Undecided on a great many things
    Mar 7, 2013
    3,024
    Washington Co. - Fairplay
    Are you using lubed wads, or crisco over the ball? Crisco fouled my gun terribly. Lubed wads do the same to clean and soften the powder residue in the barrel without all the mess and grease to attract more fouling.
     

    John from MD

    American Patriot
    MDS Supporter
    May 12, 2005
    22,641
    Socialist State of Maryland
    For 1858's, if you have a lathe or a milling machine, you can add flats or grooves to hold more lubricant. If you don't, I suggest that you use crisco or bore butter on a couple of chambers every cylinder full. This will help to keep the fouling soft. Pyrodex should not be "gumming up" unless you are using a mineral based lubricant. It will make deposits but they aren't "gummy."

    If you aren't using a filler like Cream of Wheat, you should start. It keeps the carbon build up in the chambers and barrel down as it acts like a non abrasive sand blast.
     

    Mike OTDP

    Ultimate Member
    Feb 12, 2008
    3,315
    Standing by for MikeODMP to extol the virtues of Holy Black .

    You mean that it shoots straighter? Ignites more predictably? Works in flintlock arms? Has combustion products that won't eat your barrel out overnight? And is cheaper in the bargain?
     

    Biggfoot44

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 2, 2009
    32,775
    Opps , sorry to butcher your acronym Mike . i knew you could say it with greater authority than I could explain..

    The advantages of Subs -

    1. Fewer shipping and storage restrictions , thereby more stores will have on shelf.

    2. 777 is capable of more fps in full loads. This could be good, or bad, or irrelevant for particular guns or usages.

    Other than that , the real thing is best .
     

    TargetGrade

    Banned
    BANNED!!!
    Aug 13, 2017
    2,970
    Pensultucky
    T7 is also more expensive and it does form a harder crud ring than pyrodex. That requires more cleaning between shots which means less shots per sitting. :sad20:

    A couple bucks (literally) isn't that big a deal IMO and cleaning seems easier to me and it doesn't stink half as bad as Pyro.

    Damn shame there is no smokeless powder formula or substitute to do away with the dirty stuff. :sad20:
     

    John from MD

    American Patriot
    MDS Supporter
    May 12, 2005
    22,641
    Socialist State of Maryland
    WRT obtaining black powder, allow me to recommend http://www.blackpowderva.com/ . They're in Winchester, VA. I also recommend the North-South Skirmish Association. They've got massive expertise in Civil War arms, and a fair amount of knowledge across the black powder spectrum.

    You need to call him and find out when you can meet him. He is usually open during major skirmishes at Ft Shenandoah but I don't believe he will sell powder until the skirmish is over.
     

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