My first foray into Black Powder

Kaiser Soeze · January 1, 2016, 04:04 PM

My dear wife gave me this 1858 Uberti Remington New Army for Christmas. As my first foray into the realm of Black Powder, I had to read, read and read some more. Thankfully there is plenty to read especially in the stickys. Since I was waiting for the basic supplies to arrive and a trip to the Bass Pro Shop for powder and caps I had time to read. I read posts about goongunworks in Georgia. I called Mike to ask some questions and before I knew it an hour had gone by. Mike is so easy to talk with about the black powder sport. So without any hesitation, I sent it off to goongunworks for his action tuning. So until it returns home, I will read, read and read some more.

Model12Win · January 1, 2016, 04:16 PM

Excellent.

If you're going to Bass Pro, check and see if they've got REAL black powder, i.e. GOEX.

That's the good stuff, and will never let you down like the substitutes will.

You've come to the right place to learn about this hobby. There are many knowledgeable and experienced people here. It really is a learning experience and they aren't as easy to deal with as cartridge guns, but once you start making smoke and start kicking those big ass lead balls down range, you'll understand why they are so awesome!

BlackPowderBen · January 1, 2016, 04:23 PM

Welcome to the bp world! Black powder shooting is really just plain fun and there is so much to it. That's a great gun to start out with, especially a Uberti in stainless steel!

AKexpat · January 1, 2016, 05:24 PM

Heh Heh! My first contact with Mike (Goon) was on a forum, then on email, then on the phone. I don't think you will find a more intelligent nor experienced person when it comes to tuning ANY C&B revolver, in my estimation. And, you are correct: that guy can talk! It is not idle words, and he will answer any question you have. That tells me he has such expertise that he is not worried about anyone moving into his niche.

Your decision to goonerize your pistol is a wise one. I have yet to do so because my retirement funds are limited and I don't shoot them like most of you folks do. I mostly collect Colt-related open-top replicas for historical and fantasy purposes, one pistol at a time.

I like your statement about read, read, and read. Good for you!

Jim

Hawg · January 1, 2016, 06:01 PM

Yep, Mike will make your new toy slicker that snot on a porcelain doorknob.

g.willikers · January 1, 2016, 07:19 PM

Try some Hodgdon Triple 7 powder, too.
You might like it as much as I do.
Very clean burning without the nasty sulfur smell.
If you have a sulfur allergy like some folks, it might even be a necessity.

Hawg · January 1, 2016, 09:23 PM

Nothing smells as good as the real deal but Pyrodex is a close second.

g.willikers · January 2, 2016, 10:49 AM

Blegh!
Achoo.
We get enough sulfur stink around here from the neighbors' well water irrigation.

maddog613 · January 3, 2016, 04:33 PM

bass proshop in southern ca.does not have goex instock. so i went got pyrodex instead.

44 Dave · January 3, 2016, 05:24 PM

Well what do you expect for California, too much smoke for their EPA!

Model12Win · January 3, 2016, 06:16 PM

Real black powder is a natural substance. It even tastes good, and is edible in small quantities. It was used as a seasoning during times of emergency.

45 Dragoon · January 4, 2016, 02:21 AM

Hey Kaiser, AKexpat, Hawg,! Thanks for the kind words guys!!

Hey, talkin's easy!! Ha ha, and I've gotta say, tuning revolvers is (to me) like fine tuning cars. Any little thing you can do to make them run better than the other guys is worth it!! Efficiency is number one and that includes perfect timing, treatment of/ engagement of the working surfaces and proper tension of each spring. When it all comes together, its amazing!!! Not to mention, its hard to put a car on a bench so, revolvers are easier to work with!
I was pretty much raised in a garage so anything mechanical is fascinating to me and a challenge to make it function better. Believe me, some are quite challenging!!!!

I'm a little anal about it but you have to be, a revolver isn't a toy and after all is said and done, it has to be safe!!

So thanks again guys and I'm always willing to learn, ready to help.

Mike
www.goonsgunworks.com
Follow me on Instagram @ goonsgunworks

Hawg · January 4, 2016, 10:03 AM

Mike I might not want some of your mods but they work. I've heard you praised by too many people to think otherwise. So, yeah I'll put in a good word for you when I can.

was that ok, did you get your money's worth?

45 Dragoon · January 4, 2016, 11:17 AM

Perfect Bro.!!!

(Check's inna mail!!)

Mike
www.goonsgunworks.com
Follow me on Instagram @ goonsgunworks

Hawg · January 4, 2016, 11:54 AM

maddog613 · January 4, 2016, 10:32 PM

44 dave your right on the money.a lib state

bn12gg · January 9, 2016, 07:07 PM

If you elect to shoot Triple 7 (a substitute) rather than real black powder (e.g., Goex) remember that the Triple 7 is more potent than the black powder. Consult a chart.

.02

David

B.L.E. · January 10, 2016, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Well what do you expect for California, too much smoke for their EPA!

Pyrodex smokes just as much as black powder and really doesn't smell that much different.

Model12Win · January 10, 2016, 09:39 PM

I find those that stick up for or endorse the substitutes like Pyrodex either are new to muzzle loading, or they simply can't find real black powder in their area.

All of us "in the know" on the subject know that real black powder is the only way to go!

ThomasT · January 10, 2016, 09:57 PM

I guess I am not "in the know". But I have been shooting BP guns since 1992. I have used a lot of pyrodex and many pounds of of real BP. Plus I cast all the balls and bullets I use.

I have about 5 pounds of pyrodex on hand and 38 pounds of Goex on hand. So maybe some of us are a little smarter than you may think.

I have also built 8 kit guns that were rifles and three single shot handguns. And that includes the Lyman Great Plains rifle you are wanting to get. There are a few tips you could use but I think I will let you figure them out yourself since you are "in the know".

ThomasT · January 10, 2016, 10:04 PM

To the OP. Thats a slick looking gun you have. My 1858 is a brass framed version from Richland Arms. Mine was broke when it was given to me but I found the hand and spring at Dixie Gunworks and fitted the new parts. These are dirt simple guns to work on. Fun to shoot too.

Let us know what you think when you fire it for the first time. You can order black powder online from Powder Inc. I have bought 50 pounds from them and another 25 pounds from a place named Coonies IIRC. But I am not sure they are in business anymore.

Hawg · January 10, 2016, 10:39 PM

Quote:

I find those that stick up for or endorse the substitutes like Pyrodex either are new to muzzle loading, or they simply can't find real black powder in their area.

All of us "in the know" on the subject know that real black powder is the only way to go!

Well, I've been shooting bp since 1969. I do prefer black but it's not available locally and I seldom have the money to buy in bulk and no there's nobody else to share costs with. So I shoot a lot of Pyrodex. Besides it's the closest to real black than any of the other subs. When I do have the coin to spend on real bp I buy Swiss.

BlackPowderBen · January 11, 2016, 09:25 AM

I've been using pyrodex, but now I'm going to stop since I am now making my black powder.

foolzrushn · January 11, 2016, 10:38 AM

Well, you have the user handle for that....think I should have chosen Pyro Pete.

I would like to have the experience of making it, but guess I must be too lazy.

Just never get in a hurry and let that process bite ya. Wouldn't want you to need to change part of your user to Boom.

BlackPowderBen · January 11, 2016, 10:58 AM

I'll be careful with it. I think it's not as dangerous as it seems. Just never smoke when your making it

January 1, 2016, 04:04 PM	#1
Kaiser Soeze Junior Member Join Date: November 6, 2007 Location: In sight of the Dallas Skyline Posts: 5	My first foray into Black Powder My dear wife gave me this 1858 Uberti Remington New Army for Christmas. As my first foray into the realm of Black Powder, I had to read, read and read some more. Thankfully there is plenty to read especially in the stickys. Since I was waiting for the basic supplies to arrive and a trip to the Bass Pro Shop for powder and caps I had time to read. I read posts about goongunworks in Georgia. I called Mike to ask some questions and before I knew it an hour had gone by. Mike is so easy to talk with about the black powder sport. So without any hesitation, I sent it off to goongunworks for his action tuning. So until it returns home, I will read, read and read some more. __________________ Either lead, follow or get out of my way. NRA Endowment - Life Texas State Rifle Association Last edited by Kaiser Soeze; January 1, 2016 at 04:13 PM.

January 1, 2016, 04:23 PM	#3
BlackPowderBen Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2015 Posts: 380	Welcome to the bp world! Black powder shooting is really just plain fun and there is so much to it. That's a great gun to start out with, especially a Uberti in stainless steel! __________________ "If you have to shoot, shoot! Dont talk"

January 1, 2016, 05:24 PM	#4
AKexpat Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2014 Location: SW WA State Posts: 490	Heh Heh! My first contact with Mike (Goon) was on a forum, then on email, then on the phone. I don't think you will find a more intelligent nor experienced person when it comes to tuning ANY C&B revolver, in my estimation. And, you are correct: that guy can talk! It is not idle words, and he will answer any question you have. That tells me he has such expertise that he is not worried about anyone moving into his niche. Your decision to goonerize your pistol is a wise one. I have yet to do so because my retirement funds are limited and I don't shoot them like most of you folks do. I mostly collect Colt-related open-top replicas for historical and fantasy purposes, one pistol at a time. I like your statement about read, read, and read. Good for you! Jim __________________ To be governed – is to be watched, inspected, directed, indoctrinated, numbered, estimated, regulated, commanded, controlled, law-driven, preached at, spied upon, censured, checked, valued, enrolled – by creatures who have neither the right, nor the wisdom, nor the virtue to do so. - Pierre-Joseph Proudhon

January 1, 2016, 07:19 PM	#6
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Try some Hodgdon Triple 7 powder, too. You might like it as much as I do. Very clean burning without the nasty sulfur smell. If you have a sulfur allergy like some folks, it might even be a necessity. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

January 2, 2016, 10:49 AM	#8
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Blegh! Achoo. We get enough sulfur stink around here from the neighbors' well water irrigation. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

January 1, 2016, 04:16 PM	#2
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Excellent. If you're going to Bass Pro, check and see if they've got REAL black powder, i.e. GOEX. That's the good stuff, and will never let you down like the substitutes will. You've come to the right place to learn about this hobby. There are many knowledgeable and experienced people here. It really is a learning experience and they aren't as easy to deal with as cartridge guns, but once you start making smoke and start kicking those big ass lead balls down range, you'll understand why they are so awesome!

January 1, 2016, 06:01 PM	#5
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,194	Yep, Mike will make your new toy slicker that snot on a porcelain doorknob.

January 1, 2016, 09:23 PM	#7
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,194	Nothing smells as good as the real deal but Pyrodex is a close second.

January 3, 2016, 04:33 PM	#9
maddog613 Junior Member Join Date: December 30, 2015 Location: san jacinto ca. Posts: 11	bp bass proshop in southern ca.does not have goex instock. so i went got pyrodex instead.

January 3, 2016, 05:24 PM	#10
44 Dave Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2013 Posts: 584	Well what do you expect for California, too much smoke for their EPA!

January 3, 2016, 06:16 PM	#11
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Real black powder is a natural substance. It even tastes good, and is edible in small quantities. It was used as a seasoning during times of emergency.

January 4, 2016, 02:21 AM	#12
45 Dragoon Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2013 Posts: 656	Hey Kaiser, AKexpat, Hawg,! Thanks for the kind words guys!! Hey, talkin's easy!! Ha ha, and I've gotta say, tuning revolvers is (to me) like fine tuning cars. Any little thing you can do to make them run better than the other guys is worth it!! Efficiency is number one and that includes perfect timing, treatment of/ engagement of the working surfaces and proper tension of each spring. When it all comes together, its amazing!!! Not to mention, its hard to put a car on a bench so, revolvers are easier to work with! I was pretty much raised in a garage so anything mechanical is fascinating to me and a challenge to make it function better. Believe me, some are quite challenging!!!! I'm a little anal about it but you have to be, a revolver isn't a toy and after all is said and done, it has to be safe!! So thanks again guys and I'm always willing to learn, ready to help. Mike www.goonsgunworks.com Follow me on Instagram @ goonsgunworks Last edited by 45 Dragoon; January 4, 2016 at 02:33 AM.

January 4, 2016, 10:03 AM	#13
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,194	Mike I might not want some of your mods but they work. I've heard you praised by too many people to think otherwise. So, yeah I'll put in a good word for you when I can. was that ok, did you get your money's worth?

January 4, 2016, 11:17 AM	#14
45 Dragoon Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2013 Posts: 656	Perfect Bro.!!! (Check's inna mail!!) Mike www.goonsgunworks.com Follow me on Instagram @ goonsgunworks

January 4, 2016, 11:54 AM	#15
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,194

January 4, 2016, 10:32 PM	#16
maddog613 Junior Member Join Date: December 30, 2015 Location: san jacinto ca. Posts: 11	bp 44 dave your right on the money.a lib state

January 9, 2016, 07:07 PM	#17
bn12gg Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2011 Location: Winter Park, Florida Posts: 470	If you elect to shoot Triple 7 (a substitute) rather than real black powder (e.g., Goex) remember that the Triple 7 is more potent than the black powder. Consult a chart. .02 David

January 10, 2016, 09:39 PM	#19
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	I find those that stick up for or endorse the substitutes like Pyrodex either are new to muzzle loading, or they simply can't find real black powder in their area. All of us "in the know" on the subject know that real black powder is the only way to go!

January 10, 2016, 09:57 PM	#20
ThomasT Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 2,765	I guess I am not "in the know". But I have been shooting BP guns since 1992. I have used a lot of pyrodex and many pounds of of real BP. Plus I cast all the balls and bullets I use. I have about 5 pounds of pyrodex on hand and 38 pounds of Goex on hand. So maybe some of us are a little smarter than you may think. I have also built 8 kit guns that were rifles and three single shot handguns. And that includes the Lyman Great Plains rifle you are wanting to get. There are a few tips you could use but I think I will let you figure them out yourself since you are "in the know".

January 10, 2016, 10:04 PM	#21
ThomasT Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 2,765	To the OP. Thats a slick looking gun you have. My 1858 is a brass framed version from Richland Arms. Mine was broke when it was given to me but I found the hand and spring at Dixie Gunworks and fitted the new parts. These are dirt simple guns to work on. Fun to shoot too. Let us know what you think when you fire it for the first time. You can order black powder online from Powder Inc. I have bought 50 pounds from them and another 25 pounds from a place named Coonies IIRC. But I am not sure they are in business anymore.

January 11, 2016, 09:25 AM	#23
BlackPowderBen Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2015 Posts: 380	I've been using pyrodex, but now I'm going to stop since I am now making my black powder. __________________ "If you have to shoot, shoot! Dont talk"

January 11, 2016, 10:38 AM	#24
foolzrushn Senior Member Join Date: April 29, 2015 Location: middle of the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 396	ben Well, you have the user handle for that....think I should have chosen Pyro Pete. I would like to have the experience of making it, but guess I must be too lazy. Just never get in a hurry and let that process bite ya. Wouldn't want you to need to change part of your user to Boom. __________________ If you feel that you're pretty important...you should think about your significance to the Universe....and re-evaluate ! certified 'soap welder'

January 11, 2016, 10:58 AM	#25
BlackPowderBen Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2015 Posts: 380	I'll be careful with it. I think it's not as dangerous as it seems. Just never smoke when your making it __________________ "If you have to shoot, shoot! Dont talk"