Blackpowder in a smokeless cartridge?

[cabbithunt]

I was wondering if there is any available data or if anyone has tried blackpowder in a smokeless cartridge. Would it be possible to safely work up a blackpowder load in either 38 special or 357 mag to fire in my stainless steel Ruger GP100? I usually use Bullseye powder but I can't help but wonder what blackpowder would be like.

And if it is safe, any negatives or things I should know?

I've always enjoyed firing blackpowder guns. There's just something about that cloud of gunsmoke. I figure the only thing better than firing a smoke pole would be firing six rounds of it.

What do you think? Is this a good way to hurt myself/damage my gun; or something I should try?

Thanks!

Cabbithunt

 

[Steve C]

Loading black powder is pretty straight forward. Put enough powder in the case and seat so the bullet compresses it. You do not want any air space with Black.

Here's one article http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_/ai_n16419698 You can Google for others.

 

[BHP FAN]

That's the only way I load .45 Colt,any more.I use Goex,or if I want magnum performance,Triple Seven.

 

[Jeff F]

The .38 special was originally a black powder cartridge. like others have said all black powder loaded cartridges need to have their powder charge lightly compressed when the bullet is seated.

 

[Bullseye1100]

I've loaded black powder for my .44 mag Ruger Vaqueros and it's pretty cool. You get a lot of smoke, a big bang, some nice flames, and that wonderful burnt powder smell. I've done a lot of Cowboy Action Shooting and one of the guys there told me how to do it. The trick is to put the black powder in a bowl and after you have primed your brass, dip the case in the powder and make sure it's pretty full. You DO NOT want any air space between the powder and the bullet. When you seat the bullet, you actually want to hear the powder crunch a bit. If you try this and find the load is a little heavier than you're looking for, you can use less powder and then fill the rest of the case with uncooked instant grits. I know it sounds strange, but that allows you to use less powder and still not have any airspace.

 

[rcmodel]

Beware that you will still need to dissemble and clean your stainless Ruger with hot soap & water when you get done.

Black powder fouling will rust the chrome of a Harley muffler given enough time!

rcmodel

 

[Smilin Jack]

black powder in 30-30

My hunting partner shoots Goex 3fff in his 30-30 Win with great luck, using 150gr SWC cast and lubed slugs. Pretty sure he shoots 30 grains of 3fff.

Smilin Jack
Western Oregon