I hope this is the correct folder.
What are the different brand names of real Black Powder, "not " substitutes?
I have Pyrodex, but, a lot of folks say to use genuine black powder, only, to be successful. Then again, lots of folks use pyrodex, very successfully.
I don't know!!!
Mule
I use GOEX
there is : SWISS
KIK
I'm sure there are others, and hopefully someone can supply that info.
I've tried Pyrodex, APP & a couple others....don't like 'em....they kinda work but 'HOLY BLACK' works so much better.
Kinda like a T-bone vs a chuck steak...
check out www.powderinc.com
If you are shooting flintlocks then traditional black powder such as Goex, KIK & Swiss (ie:"real" black powder) is about the only thing you can use for reliable ignition of the pan charge. You can use 5-10 grains of traditional black powder under a normal charge of a substitute for the main charge to get reliable ignition but why go to all that trouble? When I first started shooting cap and ball revolvers I used Pyrodex because I was told that real black powder was corrosive, hard to clean and hard to get and I ended up being so frustrated with reliability I sold all 3 pairs including the custom gun leather I had made for my Remingtons. Now I know better and have ordered from Powder Inc. as well as Jack's Powder Keg once each and I can tell you that the savings is tremendous over just buying one pound at a time from local stores. Even if you don't have a bunch of friends to go in with you for a 25 pound order you can go through Powder Inc. with their 5 pound minimum just for yourself and get it delivered to your door for $21.81/pound, haz mat fee and shipping included. Get a buddy to go in for another 5 pounds in the same order and the price drops to $17.29/pound. Traditional black powder never goes bad if you keep it dry, doesn't loose it's potency over time and cleans up with water and a drop of liquid soap. Hope this answers your question(s).
I found Pyrodex to be MORE corrosive than genuine black powder and stopped using it years ago. Also, moderate loads of black powder don't foul the bore nearly as bad as you have been told by the makers of the substitutes, just don't use petroleum lubes with it. I started out using OX YOKE oiled patches and got a lot of fouling but got away from that and use either spit or water based lubes for target and beeswax or animal based lubes for hunting. I no longer have problems with fouling building up and making it hard to load.
Thanks, fellers, for all the response.
Graff and sons also will ship powder to you..I have been using schuetzen powder from the powder man at the NMLRA winter shoot..That is the convenient place for me to pick it up..but then I live close to there...(125mi).
Doug
Here is a list of GOEX distributors nation wide, some have web sites some do not
http://www.goexpowder.com/distributors.html (http://www.goexpowder.com/distributors.html)
Hope this helps
Thanks for the list of suppliers.
I use GOEX 2FF or 3FFF depending on the firearm. I did find one load, for one of my rifles using 777 but thats' only a plan "B".
I went to the Graf & Sons site yesterday. When I had an order for 2 cans of 3f filled out the cost and charges were up to $30 per can. For living in the Republik of Illinois I would also need to send them a copy of drivers license and FOID card ,but that is not their doing. I have more local checking to do before I resort to ordering any. Wish all you helpfull members a Merry Christmas Mike
Thanks to all you folks who have offered answers to my question.
Merry Christmas
Mule
If you have a Bass Pro Shop close to you , try checking there. I live in Tampa Florida and drive over to Orlando ( bout an hour ) to the Bass Pro Shop there. I pay a little over $25 a pound for Goex.
Ordering from the distributers takes a minimum of 5# to be practical because of the hazmat and shipping costs and 10# is better, but if you will only use a pound or two a year it may not be practical. Most of them include the hazmat and shipping in the cost of the order, but a few don't.
I think I have great news on the real black powder hunt. I used bigboomer's advise and called the newly opened Bass Pro in E. Peoria, Illinois. They have FF FFF and FFFF in the safe for $25 per 1 lb. can. The fella I spoke with said he used to shoot a little traditional 36 a lot and the powder they have is real stuff.
This will get me off the panic wagon and I'll have plenty of time to try and get a group together for a larger quanity purchase with price break.
I won't be making the trek till Thursday, because I want to wait till my son (41) and two grandsons( 16 and 17)can go along. This should be a grand time.
Yet again, Much oblidged for the good information. RBMJS Mike
The nearest Bass Pro is nearly 100 miles away, but, I can drive that for a lot less than the has mat fee. Maybe I should locate their phone number and give them a call. Thanks, RBMJS, for jumpin in with your thoughts.
Mule
Our Peoria, IL. BPS is 90 mi. out. when I called wtt ,the gun counter had me call the archery desk ??????? Turns out the archery man used to shoot black powder so they put him in charge of the powder safe. Makes sense in an odd sort of way [hmm] &). lol RBMJS
Goex is the way to go, and a trip to Bass Pro Shop to boot. sounds good.