Blackpowder alternatives - Mr. Wakeman's research project

[brianinca]

I was very interested to read the recent article by Randy Wakeman regarding alternatives to blackpowder. Thanks for the info. I'm going to try to get in on a buy through my club for some Blackhorn if they have anything suitable for pistols. Never heard of it before, I didn't bother to look as I assumed the alternatives were just as nasty as Pyrodex.

Regards,
Brian in CA

[RandyWakeman]

If you have something specific in mind, you might want to check with Western Powders: http://blackhorn209.com.

Not much is as nasty as Pyrodex, to be sure. That said, percussion (nipple-type) ignition does not have enough steam to ignite BH209 reliably-- so, there are applications where good old blackpowder is still the most suitable.

[Eric in NC]

If you ever find a substitute that will work with flintlocks - please let me know (not that I am displeased with BP - just don't know how much longer we will be able to get it).