Pyrodex in an 1895?

[w5cds]

Has anyone tried this? I'm curious about BP in my 1895SS, but would prefer Pyrodex. Your thoughts, please.

[44-40 Willy]

I've loaded Pyrodex P in the 44-40 with decent results. I'd use CTG or RS in the 45-70 though. Keep in mind that you want to fill the case enough that you'll have a compressed load though for safety. A loose powder charge with either regular black or Pyrodex can be "explosive". Also it works better if you use soft lead bullets instead of hard cast like you would for a smokeless load.

[Pat/Rick]

I've toyed with the idea of getting a SS in 45-70 for awhile, how much compression? And is there a good manual on loading with black/replica powders? Wouldn't Pyrodex 'select' work okay, (Dixie Gun Works describes it as an ffg equivelent and suitable for cartridges as well as pistols).

[nobade]

Works fine, just compress the heck out of it to get it to burn clean. No less than 3/8 inch compression, and usually closer to .450. Use the Lee 405 HB bullet with a good BP lube. Now once you're done shooting, clean that rifle really good. That Pyrodex is some kind of wicked corrosive, and if you don't get every bit of it off it'll wreck your gun in a couple of weeks. Real BP isn't much of a problem, but pyro is a whole 'nuther matter. I won't use that stuff anymore for that reason, but it does shoot pretty accurately.

[w5cds]

Thanks, guys. Was just wondering.

[Longfin]

I'm experienced with shooting muzzle loader rifles and the cleaning process for them. If you load and shot BP cartridge loads in a lever action, to what degree do you have to strip the rifle down to clean it well?

[44-40 Willy]

I'm experienced with shooting muzzle loader rifles and the cleaning process for them. If you load and shot BP cartridge loads in a lever action, to what degree do you have to strip the rifle down to clean it well?

Depends on the cartridge. The old cartridges designed for black powder like the 44-40 and 45-70 that have a bit of a taper do a better job of sealing the breech end from BP "junk" than the newer ones.

[Mr Merde]

I exclusively use BP in my Rossi 92, .44 mag. I have never had any problems with fouling as I have a generous lube on my bullets.

Cleaning up is a doddle.

Pull through with a bore snake

Balistol\water mix sprayed all over.

Flushed with very hot water

Another pull through

Pure Balistol sprayed all over the rifle.

Bore wiped through with Balistol via a 1x1" piece of cleaning material.

Can do my rifle, shotgun and 2 pistols in under 30 min


Chris

[mattusmc]

Hickok45 does a YouTube video where he uses some reloads in his 4570 with black powder.

[coalgeo]

I have had the same problems with Pyrodex and it's corrosive nature. Cannot really see any reason not to just go ahead and use BP.