[Fourbits]

Has anybody tried using Pyrodex P as the main charge in a Flintlock? Obviously, using "real" black powder in the pan. It's so hard to get black powder that I'm willing to try this to save the real stuff.

[mykeal]

It has been tried with limited success; that is, sometimes it fires and sometimes it doesn't. One will have to be willing to put up with occasional to frequent FTF's.

You can compromise, however, by first loading 10 gr of real black and then the remaining charge in Pyrodex P. That will reduce the consumption of real black and increase the probability of a main charge ignition.

[arcticap]

There's a fellow named Herb on AmericanLongrifles and the Muzzle Loading Forum who often tests replica powders in his flintlock builds in case BP gets harder to find someday.
He obtains reliable ignition with what he calls a 10 grain booster of BP as mykeal mentioned plus the BP in the pan.
He's also fired 777 using only a 5 grain booster of BP.
He chronographs the velocity statistics and posts pictures of accurate targets.
His fine ignition results could indicate the quality of his set up, but it shows that it's possible to get very reliable flintlock ignition using subs with a boost of BP.

[BlackNet]

Lets take a look at this from 2 standpoints, finance and cleaning.

1) finance, midwayusa.com lists 777 at $22 for a 1 pound can in FFF
powderinc lists goex for:
5 lb. lot: $19.95 per lb.
10 lb. lot: $16.05 per lb.
25 or 50 lb. lot: $13.00 per lb

conclusion: powder is cheaper.

2) cleaning: by using 777/pyrodex it's easier to clean and easier on the metal than black powder. In percussions that may be the case because the percussion caps will ignite them with ease. the label states "May be used in flintlocks with 5grains black powder as a starter. Reduce main charge by 5 grains"

conclusion: may be better in percussions but if your using a flint may as well use the real deal anyways.

[arcticap]

I like to use 777 fffg in my .36 caliber guns because it burns pretty clean.
And it does produce comparatively more velocity, "sort of" like using Swiss. :)