Question on powders?! Just out of curiosity….

[Walker308]

Ok, I’m new to reloading and am
starting out on the cheap. Reloading some 308 win with some Hornady 165 gr SPBT. So here’s my question, I used to own a black powder revolver and still have about half a pound of hogdon pyrodex P (fffg equivalent). Is there any use for this powder in cartridge reloading??

 

[straightshooter1]

Ok, I’m new to reloading and am
starting out on the cheap. Reloading some 308 win with some Hornady 165 gr SPBT. So here’s my question, I used to own a black powder revolver and still have about half a pound of hogdon pyrodex P (fffg equivalent). Is there any use for this powder in cartridge reloading??

Absolutely NOT!

A .308 is pretty good at being able to use a lot of different Smokeless Powder's, so you shouldn't have any problem finding something that'll work well in it. Just don't try any black powders.

 

[Rio Precision Gunworks]

Just make sure you Facebook Live it if you decide to give it a shot.......

 

[spife7980]

Smokeless powder burns progressively, black powder explodes simultaneously so it’s a completely different profile.

As a newbie a general rule of thumb is to never put black powder in a modern cartridge.

 

[diggler1833]

There are such things as black powder cartridges, but the .308 (or any modern rifle) isn't one of those. The above posts about leaving it alone are wise. Black powder cartridges in general are probably not a good first step into reloading.

If you want to be 'on the cheap', just make your first real purchase a good reloading manual. By the time you've read it twice, you should have at least that much saved back up again to go towards getting set up for .308.

 

[cas6969]

Frankly I wouldn't even use it for it's intended purpose.

 

[smoothy8500]

Cowboy Action shooting uses Pyrodex for "Black powder" loads in their Colt Single Action and Winchester lever action rifles( 38spl/45LC).

 

[lash]

If you want to be 'on the cheap', just make your first real purchase a good reloading manual. By the time you've read it twice, you should have at least that much saved back up again to go towards getting set up for .308.

^^^Pretty much this^^^

 

[JerkyFreak]

Cowboy Action shooting uses Pyrodex for "Black powder" loads in their Colt Single Action and Winchester lever action rifles( 38spl/45LC).

If I remember correctly, those are black powder cartridges.

 

[Shoots 700's]

on the cheap...really. I suggest doing your homework before ever attempting to load

 

[hlee]

If I remember correctly, those are black powder cartridges.

Yes, but no. While they were both originally designed for black powder, If you by a box of 38spl or 45 colt from your local ammo store, they will be loaded with modern smokeless powder.

As to the question, yeah you could do it, but you really shouldn’t. (And, there’s a small chance a really inexperienced reloader could blow his/her face off…)

Ask Josh: Can You Reload Modern Ammo With Black Powder? - The Truth About Guns

&#9664Previous Post Next Post▶ Today we’re looking at a question posed by a TTAG reader, likely inspired by the dwindling supplies of modern powder. Reader Jesse W. asked: “Is it possible to use black powder in reloads for a modern semi-auto pistol/revolver/bolt action rifle/semi-auto...

www.thetruthaboutguns.com

 

[Walker308]

on the cheap...really. I suggest doing your homework before ever attempting to load

Well, by “on the cheap” I mean using a Lee Classic Loader instead of purchasing a press, dies and other equipment that I can’t afford at the moment. I am only reloading 308 Win for a Ruger bolt gun. The only reason for the question was JUST CURIOSITY. I’ve been researching powders, bullets and equipment for a bit and decided to go this route to start.

 

[Walker308]

Like I’d mentioned in my initial post, this is a powder that I have had literally for years that I used to use in my 1848 New Model Army pistol.

 

[krunchnik]

I believe the word Kaboom describes what could happen-
But a kaboom can even happen with smokeless if not following correct procedures-

 

[mtrmn]

I started reloading back in the early '80s with a Lee Loader. Made some good 30-06 ammo for my grandpa's old US model of 1917. But I did use IMR4350 powder, a smokeless powder pretty much designed for the 30-06. I was on the cheap as well. But the powder was like 15 bucks a lb or so back in them days. I also bought a good manual (Lyman) and read it and learned a lot before I went and bought the components. This is the way. Asking a bunch of folks on the internet before doing research is a shortcut. Shortcuts can lead to undesirable events. You happened to ask the right bunch and there have been some good answers here.

 

[Glowie]

Absolutely NOT.
Try some Varget, imr4064, w748 maybe blc2. But Look in the loading manuals for loads and powders

 

[Haney]

The answer is Yes , you can absolutely use it for the right cartridge . It has been done for many years .

 

[lash]

The answer is Yes , you can absolutely use it for the right cartridge . It has been done for many years .

Good answer. Just vague enough.

So, since he seems to be asking almost specifically about .308 Win, what would your recommended load of Pyrodex fffg be for .308 win?

 

[cas6969]

You will just have to clean for ten minutes between each shot and it will shoot terrible.

 

[Ex E6]

Blackpowder can and probably has been loaded in almost every cartridge that has be around any length of time.

Can it be done safety yes. Fouling increases greatly and velocity will suffer greatly if its used in cartridges like the 223 and 308. Same for function in SOME auto-loaders.

It's messy as I'm sure you're aware of all ready . Grain for grain smokeless powder is more powerful and as for everyone's knowledge

Neither powders explode ,they BURN and burn rates vary have everything too do with Shape and composition ( single, double or triple base nitro variations ) along with restrictive coatings including graphite for anti static control .

Fyi: Det cord aka Detonation or Primer cord burns approximately 7 times faster than Nitro ,as it's made from pentaerythritol tetranitrate or (PETN, pentrite). Yet seems too explode because of it's speed .

Larger tubular extruded granules burn slowest as in Magnum powders ,shotshell flake powders are the quickest .
Those of us old enough to remember R1 Norma ,was used in the fastest pistol reloads and .410 ,28 gauge loads . Long discontinued now .

 

[Jgault]

Good answer. Just vague enough.

So, since he seems to be asking almost specifically about .308 Win, what would your recommended load of Pyrodex fffg be for .308 win?

Probably the same instructions as running a car on moonshine, just poor some in and hope for the best.

 

[Ex E6]

A combustible engine will run on near anything flammable ,DON'T waste the Shine if you've got extra I'll take it as I've been known to run on it more than a couple of times