[Bunnyman]

I'm working up some blackpowder loads for my Webley Mk1. I'm leaning towards Goex, but the Pyrodex fans seem to think it's a waste of money. I want to be very gentle with my gun, so maximum anything is right out. I've also heard good things about the Swiss FG stuff, but from rifle guys mostly, and apparently it's hotter than the substitutes.

Does anyone here shoot blackpowder Cowboy Action or something similar? .45 Colt ballistics are a wee bit hotter than .455 Webley, but otherwise very similar, so if you have a favorite powder/load, I'd like to hear.

Thanks.

 

[darkgael]

Try this link: http://p223.ezboard.com/webley-MKIV-455 ... =264.topic
I use FFFg in BP loads for my Webley. The note at that forum is that you will not be able to put more than 15-18 grs. into the case - a very mild load.
I have grown more and more fond of straight BP as opposed to any of the substitutes. It is, however, easier to find the substitutes as they tend to be less restricted.
Volume for volume Swiss BP will give more grains per load and, hence, more power - a nice study of this was done a couple of years ago by Sherman Bell in The Double Gun Journal (Winter 2004). He used a standard 3.5 dram BP measure and found that an average of ten throws of Swiss FFg produced 115.0 grs. per throw. The same measure/technique using Goex FFg produced 101.7 grs.
Pete

 

[Bunnyman]

Cool, thanks for the link and the data. I'm in California, and the blackpowder shooters I've run into say they have to go to Oregon to get the real stuff (the online retailers seem to be substitute only). But if I bump into any of the real stuff, I'll be sure to pick it up! Good to know it's not too hot...