BP to Pyrodex conversion

[Im283]

I went to the local BP/Primitive Weapon store today to buy black powder. I have not needed to buy it for ages(pre 9-11). My supply is finally running out. The nearest place to get it is about 2 hours round trip. The guy in the shop recommended Pyrodex.

I ask these questions.

1. if a was going to use 15 grains of BP would I still use the same size powder measure to load 15 grains of Pyro?

2. Does the amount of BP equal the same amount of Pyro? Would I use less or more or the same?

I would use the search function but in all my time here I have rarely found that doing a search yields the answer I seek.

I hope my questions make sense.

Thanks

 

[Bad Flynch]

Do not use weight measure when converting to Pyrodex, only use volume measure.

When using volume measure, 60 grains by volume of black equals 60 grains equivalent of Pyrodex. So, whatever charge of black you are using, use the same volume of Pyrodex.

Be sure to clean well after each use, and soon thereafter, too. Pyrodex is more corrosive than straight black. It is, however, easy to clean with soap and water.

 

[Pancho]

Pyro was formulated to be used just like BP measured by volume. If you used 15gr. by vol. use the same with Pyrodex.
The only limitation is that Pyrodex won't work very well in a flintlock.

 

[dwave]

Yep like Pancho said, it don't go well in a flinter unless you use 5 grs. of your primer as a "kick start" to your charge. Of course, reduce your load by 5 grs. too.

 

[scrat]

pyrodex worked for me.

 

[Pancho]

It worked for me too but it was slooooooooooooow.

 

[Pulp]

I've found it a bit harder to ignite in percussion guns(I don't have any flinters), but on the other hand you should gain a few fps over BP. In my cartridge guns (.44-40) a .45/30 Pyro pellet produced about 100 fps more than an equivalent BP FFg load. I've never chronographed any of my percussion guns.

 

[Pancho]

I'm going to make a statement and I swear that it is true. I've never had a misfire with BP or Pyrodex even using #11 caps. I'm knocking on wood as I type. I have change all my percussion sidelocks over to musket caps but that's just because they are easier to handle.I lost more #11's than I shot.
Sighting in my first flinter I used pyrodex in the barrel and 4f in the pan. Seemed that it show just fine on paper but the first shot I had on big doe on a dead run had about 20feet of clearshootl.I zerod in on her led here perfectly. I pulled the trigger and the charged startd but it fired so slow the doe was awarded for a slow departure she was safe in the honeysucle when the gun went off. I thought the gun was a wall hanger but I gave it one more chance it with 3f in the barrel and 4f in the pan and it shot as fast as my percussion sidelocks

 

[Im283]

Thanks for the answer to my question. I understand volume, and a measure that I filled with BP I can fill with Pyro and have near the same end result.

I have No.11 caps but decided to pick up another tin since I was there and everything. I aksed for No. 11 and did not pay attention to what he gave me. I looked when I got home and they are No.11 Magnum. After reading how pyro is harder to start I guess he knew what he was doing when he sold the mags to me.

 

[Bad Flynch]

>After reading how pyro is harder to start I guess he knew what he was doing when he sold the mags to me.<

When Pyrodex first came out, the existing stock of caps was comprised of caps that were too weak for Pyrodex. At that time, RWS caps were the only reliable brand for most cap-fired guns using Pyrodex.

In the time between then and now, most manufacturers have boosted the strength of their caps or offered a separate, hotter cap for use with faux powders. Use the hotter brands or choices for your Pyrodex.

 

[Cougfan2]

Bad Flynch is spot on correct. I used to work for Hodgdon Powder Co.

 

[Cougfan2]

I don't know if they still make them, but back before they made hotter caps, I believe it might have been Uncle Mike's, made what they called HotShot nipples. They were nipples with two small holes in the side that let for air into the nipple chamber to increase the flash.

 

[Mark whiz]

I shoot CCI Mag caps in both my Knight rifle and my cap & ball revolver - they are just much more reliable than the standard #11s.

I am like Pancho, I've never had a slow-fire or hang-fire using Pyro loose powder and #11 caps of any type. I DID have one fail-to-fire using #11s and Pyro pellets - but pellets and loose powder are two different issues altogether.