pyrodex pellets no bullet

[wild willy]

I read it somewhere can't find it again.Somebody said they shot Pyrodex or Triple 777 pellets with no bullet at either New Years or 4th of July as a sort of flaming firework.Anybody ever do it or see it?Not important just curious

[thallub]

Good for starting grass fires when burning pellets are ejected from the barrel.

[Pahoo]

Not with these two propellants but yes, they came flying out the barrel like little rockets. Even spirally due to the rifling. No harm but a waste of pellets and can see how they might start a fire. ......

Be Safe !!!

[4V50 Gary]

Never tried it myself. I use to use in my ROA blackpowder for light and sound effect on July 4.

[the possum]

I had some Shockley's sugar cubes that were junk, and used 'em up this way. It actually is pretty neat to do it at night- they're like a Roman Candle. The cube burned bright red & burned up in midair. But I only did it when the gun needed cleaning anyway. Wasn't worth the effort otherwise.

[Sure Shot Mc Gee]

Have a pellet or two land on your neighbors roof while He's looking. Someone's likely to see & feel more fireworks than He bargained for.

[4V50 Gary]

Whatever you do, be safe. No need to start a wildfire or to reenact the burning of Rome.

[wild willy]

Don't know if I'll try it or not was just wondering.Don't have to worry about neighbors.

[kraigwy]

Speaking of grass fires, I have a, sort of, related question.

Until I just started playing with my new flintlock I've never use cotton patches in muzzle loading. The patches are coated with grease.

Last night I was laying in bed thinking about the chances of that patch starting a grass fire.

Is it common or is the black powder grease non flammable?

[Pahoo]

Is it common or is the black powder grease non flammable?

This is a fair question and in my experience is that, you have very little to worry about. Whenever I shoot or teach a class, I read the patches and mostly show some carbon stain. I have never seen "any" signs of burning. The outer edges will get frayed and even they show no burning. When I say that I read patches, I look for a number of things that help me diagnose and potential problems. I do the same to sabots. Not saying that it's impossible, just not likely. .....

There are a number of ways to lube a patch and the most common is a basic mixture of Tallow which supposed to be the "inside" fat of an animal which is not a volatile substance. By the time it leaves the bore and flies through the are, I don't think it even gets hot enough to ignite. I have seen propellant start a fire but never a patch. .....

Be Safe !!!

[Hawg]

I have seen smoldering patches but it is usually from not enough lube. My Hawken patches will fray around the edges and scorch in the center but I never had one burn through or smolder.

[Gbro]

50 years ago give or take i was along with my older brother when he shot his 1st muzzle loader. We started 2 fires with it that day and of course we thought the patch did it and the fires were 20-30 ft from the muzzle, but perhaps the propellant did it like Pahoo posted??
I have shot lots of muzzle loaders since and never seen it again.
Captain, if you are just plinking try a spit patch.
I do and i can shoot all afternoon (and that will also mean days and days) without needing to swab the bore as the spit patch does double duty.
My biggest problem is having a patch in my mouth triggers a gag reflex most of the time.
And for 4th of July parade i load 70 grains of 3f and a patch and join in the volley with my smoke pole.
Only Black will discharge like this.