Black powder substitutes in a flintlock?

[Horseman1977]

I just bought a 54 cal Lyman Great Plains flintlock and they sold me some Triple 7 powder. I asked if it would work and they said it would, but I am finding out now by reading on some forums that it won't work. Anyone ever tried it or know if it will light with a flintlock?

 

[hakx]

The best thing for flintlocks is old fashioned black powder. I get hang fires with musket caps, so I can only see this getting worse for a flintlock...that's even if the powder lights reliably. Don't discount the T7, as you can you if if you have a starter charge of black powder (say 10 grains or so) in the barrel first. T7 will be ineffective for the ignition pan charge though.

 

[big boar]

I've had a lot of hangfire/misfires with couple of sidelocks, never mind a flinchlock. I had so many problems that I finally tried real Black Powder (BP) and will never go back. Not 1, nill,zip, misfire/hangfires with BP. Now having said that, we've used Pyrodex (RS,777,P) with complete success and great accuracy in a good number if inlines. Perhaps others have had better success than me.

 

[beefman]

The best thing for flintlocks is old fashioned black powder. I get hang fires with musket caps, so I can only see this getting worse for a flintlock...that's even if the powder lights reliably. Don't discount the T7, as you can you if if you have a starter charge of black powder (say 10 grains or so) in the barrel first. T7 will be ineffective for the ignition pan charge though.

This ^^^.

 

[Horseman1977]

Thanks to everyone for your help. I need to track down some real black powder now. Will suppliers ship black powder or do I need to buy it in person?

 

[ben hunchak]

I've got 4f and some 2f in stock but can't ship, I'm in Sask.

 

[murat]

It does work, I tried it in my Tennessy rifle however it is not the best in the flash pan, it will fail to ignite 1 out of 4. Use ffff for ignition