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Black Powder

sdgsdg Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
edited October 2001 in Ask the Experts
I've heard many different takes on this subject, and I don't know who's opinion is the best. I have a 1986(ish) Thompson Arms .50 cal muzzleloader. Poeple have told me to use Pyrodex because it burns cleaner and won't corrode the gun, others told me to use black powder because it won't misfire like Pyrodex and the grain size is more consistent. Can anyone offer me any help on this?
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Comments

  • sdgsdg Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    is the cabela's hawkin 54 cal a decent black powder rifle? and is the 54 big enough for elk?
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  • gunnutgunnut Member Posts: 724 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have several muzzleloaders and I have always used either Clean Shot powder or Pyrodex. that being said i use pyrodex pellets in my 2 inlines that are lit with a 209 primer, I have never had any problems with pyrodex, accuracy has always been right where I would expect it with a muzzloader, on a side note you might want to check out the cva powerbelt bullets I love em in my knight...
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  • badboybobbadboybob Member Posts: 1,658 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I use Pyrodex and plan to restock with Clean Shot. Never a problem with Pyrodex. Thorough cleaning is necessary or you WILL have corrosion. [This message has been edited by badboybob (edited 10-08-2001).]
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Here is another vote for Clean Shot, water clean and noncorrosive. It is available loose or in pellets. I have mostly used Pyrodex and Pyrodex pellets with no problems. My partner uses a TC Hawken of about the same vintage as your rifle. We tried the Pyrodex pellets in it and they are very reliable in the sidelock as well. Have not tried the Clean shot pellets yet, but they should be fine.
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  • AdamsQuailHunterAdamsQuailHunter Member Posts: 2,022 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Here's another vote for Clean Shot. I still have some black powder, because I have some flint-locks. I have never had a failure to fire with Clean Shot behind the ball and 4F black powder in the pan. I have a small amount of Pyrodex left and when it is gone I will not buy any more.I also have switched to Clean Shot for loading solid brass shotshell cases and paper cased shotshells for use in Damascus barreled shotguns. I find it very consistant and much , much easier to clean up after than black powder.
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  • shaneshane Member Posts: 882 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Clean Shot, Clean shot, Clean shot, I like clean shot too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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  • roundballroundball Member Posts: 75 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have several T/C Arms Hawkens in 45, 50, & 54 calibers, and I have used Pyrodex RS in them for 15 years.Pyrodex powder in general is much, much cleaner than regular Black Powder, but you still have to clean the rifle after sooting;Pyrodex RS and Pyrodex Select are intended for rifles & shotguns; Pyrodex 'Select' is supposedly even cleaner burning than RS but is harder to ignite so it was best used in inlines, until the pellets were introduced, and 'Select' has dropped of the radar screen;Haven't tried clean shot but have heard mixed reviews about it, so I'm staying with Pyrodex RS. It never fails me, is always consistent, cleans up very easily, etc...so I live by the old saying: "if it ain't broke don't fix it"
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  • legn4legn4 Member Posts: 481 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Having tried some CLEAR-SHOT , by Goex I like it, easy to clean. Haven't used the Clean Shot, note 2 different brands of powder.
    Work'n like a dog all nite
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  • s.guns.gun Member Posts: 3,245
    edited November -1
    These front-end loaders are Primative Guns for the primative hunting season here in the Buckeye State.My opinion is that they should smoke when you shoot them.They should have open or peep sights;no scopes.
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  • roundballroundball Member Posts: 75 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    s.gun...I know what you mean; Ironically, I knew nothing about muzzleloading until the mid 80's when Knight brought out the MK-85 inline; Like others, I bought it to have an extra week of Deer hunting...BUT...I became intrigued with muzzleloading, and have been going backwards in technology for the past 15 years; T/C Arms Hawken rifles in 50 then 45 using conicals; Then went to round ball barrels in 54, 50 and 45...just christened the 50cal round ball barrel this morning with a 4 pointer! (Still use Pyrodex RS tho)
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  • sdgsdg Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Congrats Roundball! Hopefully I'll plug one this weekend.I too like the older style muzzleloaders.Thanks for all the help guys!
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  • mazo kidmazo kid Member Posts: 648 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hi, you didn't specify as to whether the T/C in question is flintlock or percussion; altho I would guess probably the latter. Pyrodex is not too reliable in flintlocks as it is a little harder to ignite. Good luck.
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