Idiots guide to black powder?

[Guamsst]

Anyone know of a good source of info on using blackpowder firearms. Something catering to a person who has never fired one and wants to but has no resources for info?

Things like how to measure powder, determine powder load, selecting projectiles...etc on a very basic level.

[ebeeby]

Others will be able to give you a lead on a BP 101 book. But I wanted to make the point that BP is very unstable and static sparks can have tragic consequences. Therefore, plastic must NEVER be used around BP. You also need to think about where you will store your BP in the metal cans it comes in.
Powder measure is done with a scale using grains.
Bullets can be cast or purchased and bullet lube is extremely important.

[JBinIll]

Others will be able to give you a lead on a BP 101 book. But I wanted to make the point that BP is very unstable and static sparks can have tragic consequences. Therefore, plastic must NEVER be used around BP.

Ummmm...........how come everybody,including GOEX is putting powder in plastic bottles.Tin powder cans are about a thing of the past.

[ebeeby]

Ummmm...........how come everybody,including GOEX is putting powder in plastic bottles.Tin powder cans are about a thing of the past.

I haven't seen BP in plastic (pyrodex yes) but then I haven't bought any in a year.

Personally, I'd never buy BP in a plastic bottle.

[dogtag]

I haven't seen BP in plastic (pyrodex yes) but then I haven't bought any in a year.

Personally, I'd never buy BP in a plastic bottle.

Then you're not going to be buying it in the future.
KIK now comes in plastic. Other brands will follow.
The metal cans are a thing of the past for smokeless,
Black and nearly everything else.
Plus I use the Lee plastic dippers for BP.

[older than dirt]

Others will be able to give you a lead on a BP 101 book. But I wanted to make the point that BP is very unstable and static sparks can have tragic consequences. Therefore, plastic must NEVER be used around BP. You also need to think about where you will store your BP in the metal cans it comes in.
Powder measure is done with a scale using grains.
Bullets can be cast or purchased and bullet lube is extremely important.

You don`t measure BP by wt. It is measured by Volum.

[dave]

Well, the charges are given in GRAINs a unit of wieght! BP measure devises are set at grain markings, a dipper for instance, All BP substitutes that I know of are measured by eqivilant BP volume. In other words if the load is 50 gr. BP you use the same volume as the BP, but it will not be 50 gr. weight.
Lyman, New England and other makers print booklets that give basic instuctions and loads. These are free usually, do a google search. Also DB books has a very complete BP instruction book. Consider using AmericanPowder (Shockleys) substitute. Clean burning, no fouling, but still corrisive. I have not used BP in years.
And anyone who thinks you can not blow up a BP gun is living in dreamland! BP burns VERY fast, grain size controlls burn rate to some extent.

[jim c 351]

Anyone know the original black powder load for the 38 S&W cartridge.
3F black ???
Jim C
Thanks

[JBinIll]

Anyone know the original black powder load for the 38 S&W cartridge.
3F black ???
Jim C
Thanks

The Winchester 1894 catalog lists 14 grains black powder but does not specify a granulation.

[Dolt]

Others will be able to give you a lead on a BP 101 book. But I wanted to make the point that BP is very unstable and static sparks can have tragic consequences. Therefore, plastic must NEVER be used around BP. You also need to think about where you will store your BP in the metal cans it comes in.
Powder measure is done with a scale using grains.
Bullets can be cast or purchased and bullet lube is extremely important.

Powder measuring with BP should be done by volume. If done by weight and the charge does not fill the case, cornmeal, cream of wheat or some other like substance must be used to fill the remainder of the case. All loads MUST be compressed!!!