Pyrodex loads
Posted: 12 Jul 2014 13:10
This is from another thread that I thought might be worth stating here to discuss the use of black powder substitutes in brass cases. There was one main reason why I ventured into this, ....availability of "regular pistol powder" where I live it is as scarce as hens teeth. So I started the study of using BP substitute and find it is common in some circles ie: SASS and CAS clubs. Reloading is simple compared to weighed charges, as BP is measured by volume and not weight. The more I looked in to it the more excited I got in the anticipation of how BP works. When I have time, I will add some quotes from a book I have written in 82', published by the NRA, it explains very clearly the benefits of using Pyrodex, as well as it's safety factors compared to real black powder. I know there are some whom wouldn't even talk to a BP substitute user, to them it's real black powder or nothing. Well, I think that in itself would make for good discussion. One fact I have to add from memory about the write up in the NRA book is that the guy only invented pyrodex about 3 or 4 years before this had been published, and it said its properties were secret or unknown at that time. I thought that was intriguing.NavyDoc76-80 wrote:I ask permission to bend the rules a little in keeping true to the forum. It's relevant in that I'm in a test stage. Mr surveyors, kiwis interest in the use of pyrodex prompts me to right this. Last weekend I took a 357 black hawk to the range to test 6 rounds (only) of the 3F pyrodex filled cartridges. Since I primarily wanted to use this round in my new Rossi, it was like I said a test. The findings will also give me insight on difference cleaning as the Blackhawks is blued and my Rossi is in stainless. First, they fired flawlessly. I used a volume measurement of 1cc Pyrodex P FFFG, and seated a Snakebite Greasewagen flate nose lead cast bullet. If interested , I can give you company name, etc via private contact. This combo put a perfect compression on the powder with no need for a wad, and the extra heavy lube groove truly did prevent any noticeable leading. Now at first glance, yeah it looks nasty black, the cases come out highly stained as well. Cleaning..... I used a water soaked patch then sprayed Balistol on the patch, it took no more time to clean then normal. Since it was only these 6 cases I experimented with a light vinegar solution and dish soap soak. It removed some staining but don't think it was needed in the long run. I fired another 30 rounds of 357 in the pistol and those 30 cases were stained nearly as bad as my first six with Pyrodex. All said and done, the 6 and 30 cases cleaned up equally in the Sonic machine. I have 44 rounds equal to the 6 mention ready to go to test in the Rossi. Weather permitting I will do this tomorrow .
So until later, happy shooting.....one last thing, I didn't mention above that the rounds are in 38 sp and the cast bullet is 158gr.