A buddy of mine picked up a couple of pounds of Hodgdon black powder at a garage sale for a couple of bucks per can, so I thought I'd try it. One was Pyrodex Select FFG and the Other Triple 7 FFG.
I tried it tonight in my 4 3/4" Uberti .44 Specials loading a 220 gr. RNFP and a 260 gr. SWC, both cast I used a Lee 1.6 cc dipper for both powders which filled the cases about 3/16" from the mouth.
With the Select, velocities ran around 750 fps with the 220 gr. and 720 with the 260 gr. I didn't try them for accuracy.
With the Triple 7, velocities were much higher running a hair over 900 fps with the 220 gr. RNFP and a solid 850 fps with the 260 gr. I tried the second load for accuracy and was very impressed. I fired three 5 shot groups from a sitting position at 25 yds. and most of the 15 shots went into a ragged 2" group.
My questions:
The bullets were lubed with my normal "hard" lube. It's my understanding a soft lube will keep the powder fouling soft and easier to clean. Right? With the exception of the last 15 consecutive shots, I would clean the barrel every 10 shots by running a brush wrapped with bronze wool down the bore and in the chambers.
How corrosive to metal is this powder? After all shooting was complete, I cleaned the chambers and the barrel with a Windex type glass cleaner, dried them and applied a light coat of Hoppes #9. The exterior however, I didn't mess with. Will the coating of fouling on the exterior of the revolver eventually cause rust? If so, how soon could this be a problem? (Our humidities are running in the 30 - 40% range)
Thanks for any help!
Cholla