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Posted: 5/7/2016 12:32:35 PM EDT
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Hey gang, I have a pound of Pyrodex RS I'd like to use up in some .38 Special loads using a 158 grain LSWC bullet. How many grains of powder should I use? Just looking for plinking type loads, not super light.
Thanks for whatever input you can provide. |
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Quoted:
Thank you, sir! What would be best for a filler? You may not need filler... there are many options. Some people use cream of wheat. I have used finely ground corn cob in my 577 Snider rounds (a huge old round) because there is no way I am shooting a 150yo rifle at full power. I have since learned that instead of adding filler alone after the powder to use a mix of black powder and filler in the top part. May try that next. Like 50/50 or something to help the filler burn too. For my pistol rounds like 44-40 and 45LC, I have used wad cards to do two things: 1. Decrease from full power 2. Keep lube (from bullet) off the powder - more important if storing ammo for a while I think. You can see the wads I am talking about here (near bottom): https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/1163/1?PageSize=100 They have the best prices I have found on wads and such. Some people would recommend making your own wad but I don't have time for that and don't shoot BP enough. Remember that Pyrodex should still be treated just like PB especially in terms of cleaning the gun after. I use a spray bottle of 50/50 mix of water/Ballistol sprayed on after shooting at my friend's ranch. Stinks horribly. Wipe off excess and clean when I get home. Last recommendation, bring bottle with you to the range partially filled with a mix of vinegar and water. I use an empty bottle of Simply Orange Juice. It has a wide mouth but seals up well. After done shooting, let the cases soak in it to help get out the gunk. I soak them till I get home from ranch. Then rinse and let dry in food dehydrator until I tumble. Dry tumbling alone won't do it. If you think the Ballistol stunk, this stuff will really get you good so open the bottle outside. For BP, the reaction leaves about 50% of the powder in a solid form when fired. Some is in the bore, some shot out the muzzle, some in your action but a lot is in your case. I suspect Pyrodex will be similar. Let me know your results. You are using black powder safe lube, right? |
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