Composition of Black Powder Substitute

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  • Last Post 18 July 2022
cove posted this 16 July 2022

I have been shooting a lot of Hodgdon Triple Seven (3F) in a 36 cal Remington. I like it because it gives me velocities in the 700s with around 10grains. I also shoot it because it is the only muzzleloading powder I can get. My thinking was that since I was using less powder than would be required if using true BP, I would get less fouling. On the container is the statement  "Does Not Contain Sulfur".  This got me wondering: "How do they make BP substitutes?  It looks like BP, is charcoal used?  There are a number of BP substitues, are they all basically the same?  

 

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mashburn posted this 16 July 2022

I'm anxious to hear responses to your question also.

Mashburn

David a. Cogburn

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Aaron posted this 16 July 2022

With rifle in hand, I confidently go forth into the darkness.

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Aaron posted this 16 July 2022

As indicated above, 777 is essentially rocket motor fuel. No they are not all alike. Chemical compositions among the propellants vary greatly in percentages as well as ingredients. Some like 777 are from the aerospace industry and some like Blackhorn 209 are smokeless propellant derivatives.

All are exceptionally energetic and great care should be exercised to follow the suggestions of the manufacturer in their use and proper cleaning after their use. I have seen 3 firearms destroyed from misuse of these propellants.

With rifle in hand, I confidently go forth into the darkness.

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Aaron posted this 16 July 2022

With rifle in hand, I confidently go forth into the darkness.

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cove posted this 17 July 2022

Aaron: Thanks for the information, very interesting.  I find the comment "and some like Blackthorn 209 are smokeless propellant derivatives" to be especially interesting.  I strongly believe that there would be a market for a  powder with a smokeless (white powder) composition that duplicated BP.  Just think, no smoke, no fouling, easy cleanup.  I know a lot of guys would shoot their BP guns, especially revolvers a lot more if such a powder were available.  If anyone out there has the composition of other BP substitutes such as Pyrodex, please let us know. Bill

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Aaron posted this 17 July 2022

All of the Hodgdon produced propellants like Pyrodex and 777 have their chemical compositions listed in the associated SDS published on the Hodgdon web site. Dig away!

As an aside, having been shooting BP since the mid 70's and shooting Pyrodex as well when BP isn't available at the LGS, we shooters prefer the substitute to be smelly, dirty, nasty, and blackish so it is a BP substitute. When I don't want to fool with nasty fouling, I bring the modern stuff to the range for a day. Clean-up is quicker and easier.

When I want to hang out with the guys for the afternoon, I shoot BP and/or Pyrodex all morning. Part of the social engagement is the cleaning session afterwards and the associated rotten egg smell of the cleaning area. There is poetry and history in the process. Who has the best cleaning juice? Why did Bill's rifle clean up so fast? All that cleaning commotion is part of the adventure to a lot of us.

Hopefully you also participate in a club style shooting day with a bunch of great guys and gals. It sure is a lot more fun than a day alone at the range with nobody to tell lies to. big_grin

I too shoot a 36 Remmy. That is a great revolver to shoot and if you haven't thought of it, a conversion cylinder opens up a whole new chapter with 38 Short Colt and 38 Long Colt ammunition. You can use smokeless for those if you wish but I shoot them with Holy Black too. I sent an article off to the staff to publish in TFS about shooting the 36 Caliber conversion cylinders on the 36 Colts and Remmy. It should be in there within the next few issues.

 

 

With rifle in hand, I confidently go forth into the darkness.

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cove posted this 18 July 2022

Aaron, thanks again.  As far as the social aspect of shooting and cleaning BP revolvers, I am the only guy around here who shoots BP regularly so I spend a lot of time talking to myself.  As per your suggestion, I'm of to the Hodgdon website. "Keep you powder dry" - Bill

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