Pyrodex. Good,bad or Ugly?

[EljaySL]

Lots of folks from other states (that aren't affected by CA's laws) read this forum, so it might be a good idea to be a bit more specific in the future. Most (but not all) other states regulate black powder storage requirements with fire or construction codes, and they're somewhat more liberal.

What? I said some folks and then made a list of potential things that might make it difficult to get real BP in different areas. I left out the details of the CA situation *because* they're not relevant to other folks, but in many areas the stuff's hard to get or people wouldn't be asking all the time where to get it...

 

[raa-7]

It would be nice if there were a place or two to get powder where I live.If I get lucky,w-mart will have the Pyrodex P or RS which I use too' and don't have to pay the fee but they only carry it around hunting season.Thats ok,I'm getting with the program,I stock up when they do carry it plus I have my own powder so I don't have to worry about it.Recently I've been using some good home made bp and I really like it,but when it comes down to it,as long as the pyrodex P or the RS (which is what I have) works in my guns then I'm a happy camper.

 

[AABEN]

I have shot Pyrodex for years in hand guns and long guns. I like the Pyrodex P best for both guns. I like 80 for my long gun the best 40 for my IN hunter 50cal hand gun.

 

[raa-7]

I went out this morning and shot my .44 with some pyrodex p and compared to the other powder I use (my home brand) it shoots the round ball accurately for my shooting.I can only compare it to my powder,but it is cleaner as far as the powder sticking to the revolver.The home made powder is just as powerful than the Pyrodex because I can feel it in the recoil and like I said it's accurate with groups of 2-2-1/2" sometimes a little more at 25 yds. And shooting with the Pyrodex p is the same and I think thats pretty accurate for an 8" barrel and my non expert hand loading with any powder Thanks for all the replies ! -ron-

 

[J-Bar]

I continue to be amazed at the negative attitudes some folks have towards Pyrodex. The argument about whether or not Pyrodex is more corrosive than other powders seems never ending, and I don't care because I clean my guns. Some don't like the smell of Pyrodex smoke, and I suspect many of those who say this would ignore my negative reaction to the cigarettes and cigars they smoke.

Pyrodex burns a bit cooler than "real" black powder and this leaves less plastic residue in my shotgun barrels when I use it in blackpowder shotshells for cowboy action shooting. I think it leaves a bit less residue compared to "real" blackpowder when used in centerfire cartridges. I have used Pyrodex in percussion revolvers and I think it leaves less residue there also, but I have gone to using Goex and Schuetzen in the revolvers because these powders have a lower ignition temperature and never result in the "pop-boom" delay that sometimes occurred with Pyrodex.

I have taken several deer using Pyrodex in my TC Hawken.

Pyrodex does not deserve all the animus it receives.

 

[BHP FAN]

''Pyrodex does not deserve all the animus it receives...''

Than annoying ''pop-boom'' is exactly why it does deserve all the animus it recieves. I prefer Triple Seven if I have to use a sub. No ''pop-boom'', and a bit more snap.

 

[Logan5579]

Than annoying ''pop-boom'' is exactly why it does deserve all the animus it recieves. I prefer Triple Seven if I have to use a sub. No ''pop-boom'', and a bit more snap.

Pyrodex is cheaper than 777 where I am, and there is a way around the "pop---boom" problem. One way is to use a small primer charge of something the lights easier than pyrodex, such as perhaps 1gr of 777 or 1gr of a ffffg BP for example...It is an extra step in loading but if you're a cheapskate like me its worth it to use the expensive powder in limited amounts.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

Try opening up the flash holes of your nipples just a smidge and the pop-boom will be eliminated.

 

[Hellgate]

I found if I used a lube wad I got the pop-boom but if I didn't I was able to ram the ball more firmly onto the Pyro-P and got the boom.

 

[OrangePwrx9]

I started with Pyrodex about 17 years ago and haven't found any reason to change. I shoot RS in the large caliber rifles and P in the revolver and the squirrel guns. No problems with "pop-boom" if I use CCI #11 magnum caps on the rifles. The revolver does fine with #10 caps and doesn't need magnums.

Did buy some Goex fffg awhile back. Couldn't see any advantage to it and thought it dirtier. Since I don't swab between each shot and try to manage the fouling over a string of shots instead, the somewhat cleaner Pyrodex gives me better accuracy if I don't load too heavily.

Several here have said real black is more powerful than Pyrodex. Lyman's latest Black Powder Handbook & Loading Manual says differently if both are loaded by volume.

Besides being more available, Pyrodex is lighter for a given volume. Therefore, if loading by volume, you get more shooting out of a lb. of Pyrodex than you do a lb. of holy black.