Blackpowder substitute in NMA

[R.U. Snickering]

When I go to the range, I would like to be able to shoot more rounds before having to clean the cylinder and cylinder pins on my NMAs. Has anyone tried Pyrodex, Triple, American Pioneer powder or some other substitute? Whay kind of results have you have in you Remingtons? I shoot my NMA as Cap and Ball, only.
Thanks for you input.

[Noz]

My experience (limited). Pyrodex must be cleaned immediately or you will have pitting on the face of the cylinders like I do.  Pinnacle works but is expensive and no cleaner, in my guns, than FFFg GOEX. I wipe them down after each stage.

[Cincinnati Slim]

Howdy,

I've been using Tripple-Seven in both my NMA Remmie and 1860 Colt C&Ballers and like it a LOT

According to Hogdon's load data a 30 Gr. load (by volume) pushes a .44 round ball at around 800 fps. out of a 7-8 inch barrel.  My nominal "30 Grain" spout seems to actually throw about 27-28 Gr from my flask. I'm looking at getting a "35 Grain" spout so I'll actually bet a full 30Gr. throw. Currently the 28Gr. loads produce very good acuracy but less real KICK than mild smokeless powder "Cowboy" loads in the .45 Colt conversion cylinders. Of course the round ball is about 2/3 of the mass of the 250 Gr. slug in the "Cowboy" cartridges and the smokeless has a sharper recoil impluse than black powder or any subs. If I put plenty of Balistol on the cylinder pin the Remmies can get through 3 to 5 cylinders full before any real clean-up. Then a simple wet patch is all you need to keep going.

I've found that Triple-Seven cleans up very easily. Much easier than Pyrodex. I'm using TRM stainless nipples and Remington standard #11 caps and get totally reliable ignition.

Tripple-Seven is widely available because so many inline muzzleloader hunters use it.Shop around , you should be able to find it for less than twenty bucks a jar.

Happy Trails,

Cincinnati Slim

[44caliberkid]

Pyrodex is crap, I don't know why they still make it, except to have a cheaper alternative 777.   APP and 777 are both excellent.  APP has virtually no residue or fouling, but doesn't meter well out of a flask.   777 has more ooomph and pours well, but costs 25% more.

[Yankee John]

All I have ever used is Pyrodex P in my BP pistols,  simply because it is all that is locally available. 

While it might not be everyones favorite,  I like it just fine.  I make 30gr. combustable paper cartridges for my Remington (and 1860 Colt snubnose) and they have plenty of "snort" and accuracy.  I usually get 4-5 cylinders shot before I have to clean & relube the cylinder pin.

Definately have to clean promptly after a day at the range!

Your mileage may vary,
John

[R.U. Snickering]

Thanks for the info. I use to shoot Pyrodex in my Hawkins and was happy with it. From the relies, it looks like I'll give Triple 777 and APP a try. I have extra cylinders for each of my NMA, so I will wipe things down as I exchange the cylinders. That should keep me shooting more and cleaning less!

[hellgate]

To get more shooting out of your NMA just put as single drop of Ballistol or maybe any oil onto the front of the cylinder at the contact point with the frame. Then jiggle & rotate the cylinder to get the drop down onto the cylinder pin. I do this between stages and it takes about 10 seconds and I can shoot all day. Some Remmies will shoot all day others need the oil drop.  I keep a little plastic squeeze bottle of oil in my shooting box. Quick & effective.

[geo]

i use pyrodex when not competing. nssa requires bp for all competitions. i have found pyrodex to be a little more hard to ignite, especially in my sharps. but the clean up is great. in a "inline" configuration (i.e. pistols - where the nipple is right behind the powder load) i have had no problem. in the sharps i get the occassional hangfire. i have a hopkins and allen swivel barrel muzzle loader where pyrodex just will not work.  i have been told pyrodex is more wearing on the barrel. cannot confirm that. good luck, geo.