I have a lot of blackpowder and Pyrodex. What do you think about using it in the .45-70?
Swampman, There isn't any problem using your black powder (or Pyrodex) but when using black powder you should use different loading techniques than smokeless powder. The first time I tried I simply loaded 70 grains of black powder (by volume) seated the bullet and test fired. The bore of my rifle was extremely dirty and there was a lot of leading, and I could cover a ten shot group with a dollar....'a dime here, a dime there, etc.". Since I usually do things backwards, I THEN decided to do a little research. I would suggest that you do your own research, there are several web sights that provide information, but a few things I learned were:
1. The amount of black powder should be enough to permit the bullet to compress the powder about 1/8 inch.
2. A drop tube should be used to pour the powder into the case, this causes the powder to settle and be more compressed. A copper tube about 18 inches or so should work.
3. A wad should be used because it helps clean the bore and protect the base of the bullet (my opinion on the bullet base). I make my own wads from tablet backing cut out on a drill press with a steel 45 ACP case with a sharpened rim, you can buy wads also and tools to cut wads.
4. Use a 'soft' bullet lube, I make my own using 50% beeswax and 50% lard. There are lots of concoctions that people use and they all probably work, just make sure it is not the hard lube like you would use for pistol bullets. The soft lube helps keep the fouling in your bore soft.
My black powder loads now shoot on par with my best smokless powder loads but I don't have much black powder. In your case if you have an abundance of black pwder and Pyrodex it would certainly be worthwhile.
Roudy
Oh, almost forgot, the smoke cloud and smell of burnt black powder is a real benefit!
