Idiots guide to black powder?

[Guamsst]

Anyone know of a good source of info on using blackpowder firearms. Something catering to a person who has never fired one and wants to but has no resources for info?

Things like how to measure powder, determine powder load, selecting projectiles...etc on a very basic level.

[ebeeby]

Others will be able to give you a lead on a BP 101 book. But I wanted to make the point that BP is very unstable and static sparks can have tragic consequences. Therefore, plastic must NEVER be used around BP. You also need to think about where you will store your BP in the metal cans it comes in.
Powder measure is done with a scale using grains.
Bullets can be cast or purchased and bullet lube is extremely important.

[JBinIll]

Here's one-

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/273/1/BOOK-LBPH

[JBinIll]

Others will be able to give you a lead on a BP 101 book. But I wanted to make the point that BP is very unstable and static sparks can have tragic consequences. Therefore, plastic must NEVER be used around BP.

Ummmm...........how come everybody,including GOEX is putting powder in plastic bottles.Tin powder cans are about a thing of the past.

[joem]

I used toshoot a lot of BP but quit cause it's too nasty to clean unless your home. And Don't wash out you rifle in the bath tub, it leaves a terrible black ring in the tub which the wife doesn't like.

[ebeeby]

Ummmm...........how come everybody,including GOEX is putting powder in plastic bottles.Tin powder cans are about a thing of the past.

I haven't seen BP in plastic (pyrodex yes) but then I haven't bought any in a year.

Personally, I'd never buy BP in a plastic bottle.

[Doug Rammel]

In the 60's I bought Goex BP in 25 lb kegs. The kegs were metal but after you open them the BP was in a large plastic bag. I would transfer it to 1 Lb cans by pouring it using a funnel.

You may want to check this link.

http://www.brimstonepistoleros.com/articles/staticelectricity.html

[JBinIll]

One of the black powder clubs bought bulk BP,came in a plastic bag in a cardboard box.Swiss,Schuetzen,and Grafs come in plastic bottles.People who have bought GOEX recently said they came in plastic bottles now.

[Guamsst]

I have yet to get a spark off plastic that I would worry about around powder. Synthetic clothing would worry me much more. The book from track of the wolf looks like a good idea. I may just buy it.

[older than dirt]

Others will be able to give you a lead on a BP 101 book. But I wanted to make the point that BP is very unstable and static sparks can have tragic consequences. Therefore, plastic must NEVER be used around BP. You also need to think about where you will store your BP in the metal cans it comes in.
Powder measure is done with a scale using grains.
Bullets can be cast or purchased and bullet lube is extremely important.

You don`t measure BP by wt. It is measured by Volum.

[ClaudeH]

I've wondered if those bottles where somehow mad conductive to avoid sparks?

Then again I've bought commercial single loaders that were plastic - one capped end for powder and the other for patched ball or bullet.

[jon_norstog]

Guam,

Two ways to shoot BP: cartridge or front-loader. Pick your poison first, then pick your weapon. If you're shooting a rifle FG or 2FG is the s**T. Pistols use 3 or 4FG. Best bullets are the ones you make, 20 to 30 parts lead to 1 part tin. Most commercial cast are too hard. You can measure BP by volume without affecting accuracy or blowing up your gun. Clean the bore with hot soapy water soon as you are done shooting, and ditto the brass if you are shooting cartridges. A lot of BP cartridge guns like it if you fire a fouling shot before you start a target string.

That's about it. Good luck!

jn

[k arga]

go to americanlongrifles or traditional muzzel loading .com ,there you can find anything you need to know

[Bill H]

I believe you do measure BP by weight,, then measure the modern substitutes by equivalent volume.

[JBinIll]

Anyone know of a good source of info on using blackpowder firearms. Something catering to a person who has never fired one and wants to but has no resources for info?

Things like how to measure powder, determine powder load, selecting projectiles...etc on a very basic level.

Buy the Lyman book,learn the basics,adapt what you can use forget the rest.The muzzle loading forums,just like here,multiple suggestions of what to do based on personal preferences,pretty soon the newcomer is so confused he just says the hell with it too complicated and it's not.