Safe Powder for Replica Rifles

[Hickory Nut]

When I first started shooting black powder rifles many years ago, I always used black powder and shot round balls. The information that came with my rifle said that only black powder should be used. I'm wondering if I can shoot some of the newer smokeless powders I've been hearing about. I understand that cleaning is much easier. I'm shooting a Traditions .45 cal Plains Rifle. Anyone have some advice on what my powder options may be?

 

[CHRIS WILSON]

If by smokeless you me true smokeless, I'd highly recommend against it. If you're referring to BP substitutes, pyrodex should be fine to shoot in that rifle. powders like BH209 and 777 create slightly higher pressures and may or maynot be safe.

 

[px4]

I have a Invest Arms 50 cal hawken. I shoot Pyrodex with no problems. It fouls up the barrel less and makes it easier to load between shots.I shoot the exact equivalent measures as black powder.

 

[smokepolehall]

you can use any of the blk powder type powders-pyro, triple7, blkhorn209. don't use smokeless powder of any burning rate nor brand

 

[bowshooter]

I shoot T-7 I once shot 37 straight shots out of my New Englander before I swabbed the barrel.

 

[JimFromTN]

You can shoot any black powder substitute safely. I have shot nothing but pyrodex out of a traditions that I bought 20 years ago. Like everyone else said, don't shoot smokeless powder used for reloading metallic cartridges out of it.

 

[trealtree]

777 powder will be fine in that gun. Just load 20 % less than you would blackpowder.

 

[Hickory Nut]

Thanks for all the adivce. I knew that I shouldn't use the smokless powder designed for modern cartridge rifles, but I wasn't sure of the new BP substitues like 777. I know some guys that shoot Pyrodex. Perhaps I'll try it. Or maybe just stay with black powder. Anyway, thanks for your comments.