What Powder to Use?

[Craig010]

Hi, Everyone!!  I picked up a Colt Navy repro but it came with no information.  I found out who manufactured it (Investarms) but they have discontinued it several years ago.  I'm figuring a 17-20 grain load should be fine but am puzzled by what powder I should be using.  I picked up a jar of Triple 7 in 3Fg from a local gun store but reading up on Hodgdon's website, it looks as if Triple 7 and Pyrodex both are intended only for muzzle loading rifles/muskets.  Did I just waste $25 or is Triple 7 okay to use in a pistol?  If not, what should I be using?  I bought this stuff in the only shop in the area that deals in BP so if it's wrong, I''m going to have to go to Tucson or order it online.  Sorry for the ramble.  Thanks, Craig

[JesseL]

FFFg equivalent 777 and Pyrodex are fine in cap and ball revolvers, though they're both a touch harder to ignite than genuine black powder. They're basically all I've ever used in my Remington repro.

777 is nice because the fouling is water soluble. Clean up in the sink with just hot (hot!) water, dry, re-oil, and you're done.

[Craig010]

Thanks, Jesse.    That takes a load off my mind.  Now for Saturday to get here.  ~Craig

[anm2_man]

As Jessel said, pyrodex will work.   GOEX FFFg can only be purchased in state at Thunder Bird Cartridge (At least that is the only place I have found it).

[conchshot]

You'll never go wrong with GOEX. That's the only powder I use for my two cap and ball revolvers and for my cannon. FFF for the pistols and F for the cannon. Cannon grade powder is bit to grainy for my purposes. And I use FFFF for priming powder unless I go with a cannon fuse or friction-primer.

[Craig010]

Thanks, Guys.  I got the pistol on the range yesterday and on the two chambers I could get the nipples to take caps, the powder I had bought worked fine.  Not nearly as much smoke as I had expected though.  Four of the nipples I couldn't get caps on at all.  Ordered some new nipples last night from Dixie and hope they will fit.  I've been pretty lucky so far since I had to replace the hand assy and did so without much effort towards fitting.  Hoping to get lucky with the nipples as well.  ~Craig