REAL black powder?

[Gewehr98]

They can call Pyrodex anything they want.

However, real BP is made strictly of charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate (saltpeter). It's been that way for centuries, regardless of what some marketing guru wants you to believe.

Pyrodex changed the traditional KNO3 oxidizer to something else, making a BP substitute that passes strict DOT shipping and handling regulations because it's harder to ignite. That's why you can buy Pyrodex at WalMart, and not Goex FFg. It's also basically the only reason why Pyrodex exists, because it can be handled and stored as a smokeless propellant, vs. a low-order explosive.

 

[JCT]

Yes. Even when they made special cannon powder with under cooked charcoal, it wasn't called Black Powder, it was called "Brown Powder". I also remember something about a "Yellow Powder" Which came about around the time smokeless was being developed.
I do think it's a bit funny that it's the history that attracts people into shooting historical/replica firearms, yet they want to shoot a historically inaccurate powder.
For those that choose, Pyrodex or similar, that's fine, but those who haven't ever tried real BP are missing out.

 

[JCT]

Interesting link about BP and cleaning: http://www.republicmetallic.com/page20.html

 

[AntiqueCollector]

There were experiments with leaving out the sulphur in blackpowder, making a cleaner burning powder, JCT. It's fine in cartridge guns and percussion guns but not good in a flintlock. But more modern smokeless powders came out soon and it didn't go too far...