Finding Black Powder

[creteham]

Just wondering how tough it is to buy "real" black powder around the country. The substitutes like Pyrodex and 777 are on the shelves everywhere around here, but due to excessive red tape and regulation, it's really tough to find "the real thing." Hate to say it, but I had to buy my last BP in the parking lot out of the trunk of a car! Anyone else have this problem?

creteham

[biliff]

Its a common problem. Explosive vs. propellant and the regulations or outright ban that goes along with it has caused real BP to move out of most larger retail stores and into the small shops in outlaying areas where it the regulations aren't so onerous. Problem is finding those places since they have zero advertising budget. Its mostly a word of mouth proposition. If there are any rendesvous type events in your area you can usually get a line on a local source there or actually pick some up there from a vendor since many of the participants at those functions require real BP for their flintlocks. The only other option is mail order 25 to 50 lbs of the stuff or a long drive.
I'm lucky in that there is one of those small stores within 15 miles of me. Of course you have to call ahead of time since the owner tends to close up to go fishing/hunting or to a rondy and might not be there. My only other options are the rondies, a larger muzzleloader store that's a 2 hour drive away,or one of those mail order places.

[HAIKU_RODNEY]

Here in Hawaii, it is almost impossible to get real black powder. I shoot a flintlock so need real blackpowder. The synthetics have too high a flash point to consistantly ignite from the spark. I am in the process of getting everything together to manufacture my own. As far as I know, as long as you manufacture it for your own use, you don't need a license. I have the chemicals and grinder. I just need to get the sieves to sort the granules. I hope I don't blow up my home in the process!

[bphunter]

I had the same problem initially, then discovered at least 3 sources within 20 miles of my house. I was was surprised to find that Basspro carried Goex BP. I also found 2 independent shops by consulting the YP's and making a few calls. If that doesn't work you can find mail order places through the Goex website, but shipping can get pricy for small orders and an adult must sign at the time of delivery. I do shoot a lot of Goex and like it a lot. Another way to locate a source is to find a local club with muzzleloader matches and ask a few members were they got their supply.

[buckconner]

Goex is available from a number of places, Track of the Wolf, House of Muskets, Log Cabin Sports Shop, Cooney's Black Powder Supply, Green Mountain Supply, Southern Sports Shop - all found on the Interent.

[luie b]

I definitely have no chance in getting real blackpowder. The only places near that sell muzzleloader accesories only will sell strictly inline supplies. It just ticks me off that they don't have things for the original guns that made muzzleloading.

[Harry B.]

Sirs;
Pyrodex and other "alternative" poders are not good in your muzzle-loader! "Powder pellet" of powder are no good - only "real" black powder works right!

I have always used "real" black powder - you had better get all you can wherever you can before _____________!

If you don't like the smell of real powder then quit using a muzzle-loader - personally, I love the smell! I used to buy black powder for fifty cents a pound from an open keg at Chancellor hardware (n0 longer with us), it came in a paper poke!
A muzzle loaderr has evolved into something that is a travesty! I know who started this by sending a rifle to Italy to have them duplicate it and sell it for a pittance of what the original cost! The first ones that came over you couldn't get a ball down the barrel!
Then a whole bunch arived from different countries and they were not only junk but to make them simple, easy and cheap they started making so-called "in-lines." And here we are today, with in lines, sabots (french), revolver bullets and so forth! This has spawned a generation of shooters who don't really know how to manage a ral muzzle-loader!
"Powder pellets" would make the Hawken brothers vomit - along with Harry Pope!
Now, guys, this is my 74 year old opinion, I think it's right. I'm not condemning anyone - do what you want - but there is an entire romance to the "long rifle" we're missing!
Harry B.