Getting into Black Powder

[Esquire]

I've always been interested in BP shooting, and finally, I ordered online my first BP gun - inline rifle, CVA Buckhorn with a starter kit. I'll post pics once it arrives. It seems there aren't many BP shooters on Calguns. Most of this sub-forum's threads are about Mosins, SKS, or Mausers. I'd love to see more content on BP shooting. I'll try to post my progress.

I plan on using pellets rather than loose powder. What do you recommend? Pyrodex, 777, or WhiteHot?

[plumbum]

I have BP revolvers and a .45 caliber inline rifle, love to shoot them all!

It takes a bit more patience than cartridges, but it makes for a much different experience. Something about connecting a .45 caliber lead ball with it's target that is very satisfying.

Personally I have used loose pyrodex and 777, as well as pelleted versions of both. No real sense in packing it to the maximum loads, most rifles shoot better around 90 grains of BP substitute. Clean up is really easy too, I use hot water and a good scrub.

I haven't used real BP yet, mostly because it is considered an 'explosive' and requires legal paperwork (like the authorities need my personal information filed a few more times!).

Don't forget how potent these arms can be, even a brass frame revolver can match .38 special loads, and my $100 rifle can send a 158 grain .357 bullet at over 2000 fps!

[Esquire]

The starter kit comes with Powerbelt bullets, so I'll use those first. Per CVA, they're the best bullet for their inlines. I'll probably use Pyrodex pellets, 100 gr. I've read that Pyrodex is closest thing to real black powder. I want that huge puff of smoke and sulfur odor for authentic experience!

[Kruzr]

I haven't used real BP yet, mostly because it is considered an 'explosive' and requires legal paperwork (like the authorities need my personal information filed a few more times!).

I walk into Walker 47 in Anaheim, ask for some Gotex BP, pay for it and walk out with a 1 lb. can. Nobody asks you anything.

I prefer 777 since it is easier to clean and a bit more forgiving if you can't clean the guns right after shooting.

[CSACANNONEER]

Sorry, I won't be much help here. First, I've never played with a modern inline and secondly, I've only fired one round of BP substitute in my life. That was only because the Californian did not have a permit to haul BP at the time I was on the ship. I have always tried to keep my muzzleloading a bit more traditional than inlines and substitutes. But, I'm starting to show a small interest in both since, I don't know much about them.

I walk into Walker 47 in Anaheim, ask for some Gotex BP, pay for it and walk out with a 1 lb. can. Nobody asks you anything.

I really hope you ment "Goex".

[Tom-ADC]

I shoot B/P out of various firearms, I shoot B/P 45-70 and also a few muzzleloaders, .58 and .50 I've been using Goex 2F & Swiss 1.5. Lyman has a good book out Black Powder Handbook & Loading manual. I highly recommend it, also shop around for a range that has B/P shooters you'll find they are more then willing to help out new guys.

[plumbum]

I walk into Walker 47 in Anaheim, ask for some Gotex BP, pay for it and walk out with a 1 lb. can. Nobody asks you anything.

I prefer 777 since it is easier to clean and a bit more forgiving if you can't clean the guns right after shooting.

Yeah, it's a county thing here, no idea why we have to sign a log book for gunpowder. Luckily substitute powders are not considered explosives, and are cash-n-carry.

[24Sailor]

I've always been interested in BP shooting, and finally, I ordered online my first BP gun - inline rifle, CVA Buckhorn with a starter kit. I'll post pics once it arrives. It seems there aren't many BP shooters on Calguns. Most of this sub-forum's threads are about Mosins, SKS, or Mausers. I'd love to see more content on BP shooting. I'll try to post my progress.

I plan on using pellets rather than loose powder. What do you recommend? Pyrodex, 777, or WhiteHot?

I don't know much about the modern inlines other than one thing I read on the Colorado Wildlife Hunting site concerning some CVA inlines.......

As for powders I shoot an old Hawken type Thompson Center .54 with I believe a 1 : 24 twist. this shoots patched balls as well as maxi's. My black powder being about 25 years old was really crudding the barrel after just one shot so I bought some Pyrodex Select from Cabelas...Can't tell the difference other than the new powder doesn't crud the barrel as quickly....but it takes a wee bit more time to clean than BP.

I've never tried powerbelts.

A word of caution on loading patched balls at this time of year. It's getting dry now and you CAN START A FIRE....I learned this years ago shooting in my field. I fired a round and then a minute later, as I was reloading, I notice a little plume of smoke coming from the dry grass about 40 feet down range. It was a smouldering patch!! This may or may not be an issue as California allows muzzleloader hunting during the height of fire season.

That being said, black powder shooting is really fun!!! And if anyone knows an outlet for real BP FFg in the North Bay, East Bay Area or Ukiah I'ld love to get a new batch. I bought this last can at Seigles in Oakland when I lived in the Bay Area.

[ROOS_HAPPENS]

A word of caution on loading patched balls at this time of year. It's getting dry now and you CAN START A FIRE....I learned this years ago shooting in my field. I fired a round and then a minute later, as I was reloading, I notice a little plume of smoke coming from the dry grass about 40 feet down range. It was a smouldering patch!![/COLOR] This may or may not be an issue as California allows muzzleloader hunting during the height of fire season.

This is VERY good advice. I know you're going to start out with unpatched slugs, but if you ever switch to round balls, be careful. I've also had smoldering patches downrange, so be extra careful in dry shooting areas. I kinda suspect that the patch lube was the culprit. I think I was using Crisco & beeswax on a pillow ticking patch. I never noticed it with soluble oil & water, probably because it was so much wetter.

[Esquire]

Other than Powerbelt bullets (which are expensive), I'm thinking about Hornady conicals (cheaper). According to prod desc, no lube and no patch necessary. They're like old Minie bullets.

[toby]

Fired my new/old CVA percussion yeterday 54 cal, I loaded 110 gr of Pyrodex and a homemade round ball....KABOOM!......

[CSACANNONEER]

Fired my new/old CVA percussion yeterday 54 cal, I loaded 110 gr of Pyrodex and a homemade round ball....KABOOM!......

110 gr? That's a hell of a load. Isn't that near maximum recommended loading? My old hunting load was 90gr of FFg.

[toby]

110 gr? That's a hell of a load. Isn't that near maximum recommended loading? My old hunting load was 90gr of FFg.

Hogden shows 120 gr pyrodex rs select and a 530 gr ball @ 1812 fps..?

[Dutch3]

Yeah, it's a county thing here, no idea why we have to sign a log book for gunpowder. Luckily substitute powders are not considered explosives, and are cash-n-carry.

A county thing? Is there some local ordinance relating to powder sales? I am curious as to where you got this information.

[plumbum]

A county thing? Is there some local ordinance relating to powder sales? I am curious as to where you got this information.

The guys at Huntingtons in Oroville (I get in trouble for going there). Of course I haven't bought powder in a few years, but I was told that real Black Powder is considered an 'explosive' and is tracked and stored like smokeless powder, but Pyrodex, 777, WhiteHots etc. are not considered as such. Am I spreading false information???