gooser...Better is a relative term...The problem with using substitute black powder in a traditional muzzleloader is that they have a higher ignition temperature...
Pyrodex came out in the 70s...It was developed so it didn't have to be stored in a fire proof safe, and there weren't as many shipping regulations as well, that's why many stores won't carry real bp...They market Pyrodex and other subs as being cleaner and easier to clean...
I don't know what type of gun you are shooting, but Pryodex is harder to ignite than Goex and 777 is harder yet, so reliability goes down...
I'm lucky, I live within a hour and a half of a Goex distributor and there is a good BBQ place on the way...
I paid $11.50 a pound this past spring for a pound of Goex...777 runs about $20 bucks and Pryodex about $15 around here...