Shockey's Gold/APP Anyone using it?

[Tuolumne Lawman]

I went into my local shop looking for triple 7 to return to the Dark Side.  All he had was Pyrodex and Shockey's Gold from American Pioneer Powder.  Checking their web page, I only find loading info for APP, not the Schokey's Gold.  It says 21 Grains weight FFFG APP for my 44-40s, which is almost identical to the weight of Triple 7.

The shop owner said Schokey's Gold is a little hotter than APP, more like Triple 7.  He sells it for about $26 a pound, which seems decent for over the counter, especially because he is just a mile from my house (dang gas prices!)

[Pony Racer]

I have used it in the past.

I think it metered and burned just a little cleaner than standard APP.

I am not so sure I would say "hotter" than standard APP but you get great Smoke with APP.

The only sub I would put on par for "heat" with 777 is the new blackhorn powder...

If you ever come the VA way - let me know - I think I have 3-4 bottles of App unopened and I would gladly let it go at the price I bought it at.

12.50 a 1lb can.

PR

[Tuolumne Lawman]

I spent half of my day off researching it on the web.  Consensus is that it is no where near as hot as BP by volume, tight crimp needed, and ambivalent at best.  Stopped at another gunshop in the next town over, and he stocks Triple 7 all the time.  I said the heck with it, and just bought the FFFG Triple 7 (which I had used almost exclusively since its introduction, until 3 years ago) until for my .44-40 loads.  I may use the APP/Shockey's for shot shells after I use up the pyrodex shell I have left.

Note: he said he quit carrying APP/Shockey's Gold because he got too many complaints.  EVERYONE loves the Triple 7.

[Pony Racer]

TL, I have heard complaints about APP. However, it never failed me in 38 or 44 russian and 12 gauge loads.

Definitely no boom (no subs do) like BP and no fire - but i do think it probably had a more dense smoke than all other subs.

That being said, since you are use to 777 - i think you made better choice just going with it.

Of the folks I know using BP subs today - most are the most happy with 777.

PR

[44caliberkid]

I use APP in 44 Russian loads that I shoot in a repro Smith & Wesson breaktop.  It eliminates the cylinder binding that many people have experienced shooting real BP in these pistols.   I also had a bunch of store bought 44 bullets that had modern (shallow) grease grooves and modern red lube, which i loaded with APP because it works well (no fouling) with these kind of bullets and lube.  I also used to load 38-40's with APP before there was a Big Lube bullet available for 38-40.   The advantage of APP is that it leaves no residue (fouling) so you can still make smoke without fouling problems using smokeless style bullets.   Yes, velocities are lower, but I'm not looking for maximum velocities in CAS match loads.   One tip, do not compress APP in cartridges, the bullet should just seat on top of the powder charge.

[Gripmaker]

I have also used APP in cartridges and found no problems...in CAS scenarios. However, I have never used it for hunting or long range target. Cleaning is a snap;  a wet swab down the barrel and then a dry one and than an oily one. Wipe of fingerprints and put away until next time. Only signs of rust on any of my  guns is with Pyrodex and 777, so I use them in shotshells and clean as quick as possible. The only real problem with these two in my SXS is the plastic scum left behind. Been told this is due to "HEAT" but don't know for sure.  Optimum accuracy loads for my pistol cartridge rifles is actually a "BP" sized load of Trail Boss but it ain't BP or a sub so that doesn't count.

     Have heard that GOEX Pinnacle is just APP with a black coating to more resemble BP. Anybody back this up?