bc carbine/pyrodex p

[dinger]

Just wondering what powder charge(volume) you would use for a 250 gr. lead bullet with pyrodex p, and what muzzle velocity could you expect from a 20" barrel(buffalo classic carbine).

[John Boy]

Dinger - You would be best to call/email Hodgdon and ask them. They have no loading data for a 250gr bullet for a rifle.  Here is the only data and I presume it is for a handgun:
45 Colt 250 RFNP 1 - Pyrodex Pistol 787 fps 9,900 CUP 

[John Traveler]

Just remember that with Pyrodex, you must use a slightly compressed load, just like when using black powder.  Reduced loads or leaving an airspace can have some really BAD consequences.

[Trapper-Jack]

I second John in that you must have a powder column at least up to the bottom of the bullet or it could ring the chamber - or worse.

[Nobade]

I find that Pyrodex in cartridges works better the more you compress it up until you start to bulge the case. I also learned that the expander plug in most pistol die sets works pretty good at compressing powder. So now, I first size the case, expand and bell it like normal, fill the case with powder, set the expander to go in as far as the bullet does to compress the charge, and seat the bullet.

The handi rifle is one of the few firearms I will use Pyrodex in, because it cleans up so easily. That stuff is wicked corrosive, so take care to clean your guns and cases well after use. Also try not to inhale the smoke, it's not terribly healthy. If you can get real black powder, I will always recommend it over Pyrodex.