Black Powder Cartridge Loading

[k9dude2010]

I have had many muzzle loaders over the years, shotguns, rifles, pistols and revolvers. They are a blast to shoot. I am wondering about the corrossive nature of black powder and black powder substitutes in 45-70 brass. Will it weaken the case from the inside out, and are there any storage issues that are different from smokeless powder cartridges?

 

[k9dude2010]

Would use either Pyrodex, or Triple Seven for powder, and CCI LR primers

 

[MEHavey]

I've got 45-3-1/4" Sharps cases from/since the early 80s. Loaded w/ Black and sealed (by the bullet) they are as stable as any other cartridge. Once fired, you need to wash them out w/ soapy water & a .410ga shotgun mop, then dry.

They are then as long-lasting as any other brass

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I would use a Magnum primer with any Black Powder or substitute.

 

[k9dude2010]

What about a mixed load BP and Smokeless as a primer. I was thinking I could put about 5 grains of Smokeless under a wad of nitrate paper, and the black powder charge over that, any opinions on this welcome.

 

[Jim Watson]

I consider duplex loading with smokeless under black to be an advanced technique.
I don't do it because I don't want to have to deal with another variable in the loading.
NRA does not allow it in BPCR competition anyhow.

Black powder is not corrosive to brass.
Black powder residue from firing is, so I decap my empties on the range and drop them in a jug of soapy water for the trip home, after which they will be washed (acually tumbled in wet ceramic media.)

 

[highlander 5]

There's a book written by Mike Venturino and the current owner of Shiloh Rifle Manufactureing on shooting/loading black powder it may be of some use. I don't shoot BP but one trick that Venturino has for cleaning rifle and brass of BP residue is to use Windex with ammonia d. pour one bottle of Windex in a gallon jug and add water to fill the jug and clean as usual. Brass just throw it in after you fire them.

 

[Afy]

I use 65 grains of Swiss 3FG under a 500 grain bullet, and CCI LR primer. Have had no isses, and for cleaning the brass it either goes in the dishwasher, ultrasound or in a soapy bucket. It doesnt really matter.

Also when you are done shooting, firing a few smokeless rounds seems to make cleaning the rifle a whole lot easier. I just use KG 1 until the pacthes come out clean. Have not had any issues so far.

As for duplex loads, they certainly are an advanced technique and while I have tried them, havent seeen any real advantage.

 

[cheygriz]

I shot BP .45-70, .45 Colt and .44-40 for years. Being a bit paranoid about corrosion, I always washed my deprimed cases with warm water and Tide ASAP, then thoroughly rinsed them with boiling water, and dried in a 180-190 degree oven.

Necessary?? Probably not! But it sure gave me the "warm fuzzies."

 

[Irish Bird Dog]

I echo the jug of soapy water at the range for my BP brass, but I also have a Lee handpress with a universal de-capping die to decap also, so the primer pocket gets hit with the soapy water solution. This holds them until I get home for a good cleaning in hot, soapy water, rinse in hot water and the leave upside down to drain and dry. To get the rifle home, I have been just "cleaning" the bbl with regular Hoppes #9 & scrubbing the bore with several patches 'til it "looks" clean until I can get it home for a regular cleaning. A solution of equal parts of 1) rubbing alcohol 2) hydrogen peroxide 3) Murphy's Oil soap make for a real good BP cleaner....a dirty bbl can be Clean in as little as 6-8 patches soaked in it. Good for cleaning your hands too or on minor cuts....maybe, kinda like Balistol as ordered by the Kaiser!

I vote for REAL Black Powder & I use Fed 215M primers, plus I also enlarge the flash hole a bit to make ignition easier, can't 'member just now what size drill but it is a letter drill. CAUTION: if you enlarge the flash hole for your BP loads DO NOT use this same brass for smokeless powder loads!

I have heard that some guys use the duplex loading for better ignition of the BP and to keep the bbl cleaner. I cannot vouch for either as I have never used the duplex loadings.