Can I Switch Pyrodex P for BP?

[Saddlebag Preacher]

I'm down to a half can of Goex 2F, been out of 3f for a while. The store where I used to get MY BP has stopped carying it, and I haven't found anyone around here still selling it. (They claim Gov't Paperwork and headaches.)

I reload all my used .45 LC and schoffield cases with BP with an old lee hand loader. It's relaxing and I then have some rounds to shoot in my Remington Conversion and Uberti Cattleman.

My question is, can I use Pyrodex P in place of the Goex? Right now I can get it in P and RS at wallie world because muzzleloading season is coming up this weekend.

I can't afford to buy a bulk load of Goex or Swiss through UPS, and the Dragon powder I can get from some reenactors is for shooting blanks only, as the BP is all different size grains in the same can.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Oh, I usually load 35 grains in Long Colt and 30 grains in Schoffield.

 

[buddyemily]

I think it's a bad idea. The Pyrodex P may have a different flash point than Goex. Sounds like an accident waiting to happen. Good Luck.

 

[arcticap]

I reload all my used .45 LC and schoffield cases with BP with an old lee hand loader. It's relaxing and I then have some rounds to shoot in my Remington Conversion and Uberti Cattleman.

My question is, can I use Pyrodex P in place of the Goex?

According to the Hodgdon Loading Notes you can.
Just be sure to follow their directions.

http://www.hodgdon.com/loading.html

Pyrodex In Cartridges: The mechanics of reloading metallic cartridges are quite simple, but there is one requirement of the modern shooter that cannot be overlooked. The modern loader must set aside his knowledge of loading with smokeless powders and embrace the ways of years gone by. It must always be remembered that blackpowder and Pyrodex are very inefficient powders by today's standards. The methods described here are consistent with good loading practices for Pyrodex and should be followed without regard to smokeless loading practices.

Pyrodex works best in straight walled cases, but it will work satisfactorily in bottle necked cartridges as long as our warnings are observed.

WARNING: Never allow an air space in any cartridge loaded with Pyrodex. The loading density must be 100% by light compression. 100% loading density may be accomplished in two ways:

The case is filled with powder to a level that will provide light compression of the powder (1/16" to 1/8") when the bullet is seated. Bottle necked cases must be loaded in this manner.

In straight walled cases, filler wads may be used to reduce the powder charge. This is done by inserting card or Polyethylene wads between the base of the bullet and the powder. Wads should be sized to the internal diameter of the cartridge case. The loader must be careful to insure that there are no void spaces in the assembled cartridge. NEVER use any other type of filler material. Be careful as loads are reduced. At some point, the bullet will fail to exit the bore.

When loading cartridges with Pyrodex or Triple Seven, you may use a powder measure designed for smokeless powders. Learn more.

Pyrodex does produce a corrosive residue from combustion. Even though this fouling is softer than the fouling produced by blackpowder, firearms should be cleaned after each use. Hodgdon Powder Co. recommends the use of natural cleaning solvents.

Cartridge cases that have been fired using Pyrodex require special care. As soon as possible after firing, cases should be de-primed and immersed in 50% water and white vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar will neutralize the corrosive residues remaining in the case. Care should be taken to limit the soaking time of the cases in the vinegar to 10 minutes. Soaking for a longer time may cause etching of the brass case resulting in shortened case life. Rinse cases with clear water, dry and polish in a tumbler with corncob or walnut shell media.

 

[Saddlebag Preacher]

The instructions are the same that I do with real BP and the .45 is straight walled. I didn't know if anyone here had actually done it or not.

Thanks Guys.

 

[Pulp]

Yup, just follow regular BP loading rules, as suggested by Hodgdon. Expect a bit more bang, PyroP is a bit hotter than Goex.

 

[rdstrain49]

RS works best for me in 45 Colt. Just be sure to use BP lube. Don't ask how I know what happens when you get the smokeless and BP slugs mixed up.

 

[J-Bar]

Pyrodex P is like 3F, RS is like 2F. I have loaded thousands of .45 Colt and .357 rounds with both P and RS with no problems... They all go bang. I prefer real black powder in a percussion revolver because the lower ignition point makes it easier to ignite with a cap. In a cartridge or shotshell any of them work fine.

 

[Saddlebag Preacher]

Thanks, I hate real BP becoming hard to get, but pretty soon Deer season will be over and my local walmart usually runs a clearence on what is left. I'll stock up on it.