Like a wonderful song once said, "Ain't nothing like the real thing!" Seriously, is there any reason to suppose that failure to fire w/ 777/Pyrodex is due to some error of loading or problems with moisture/weather. Blackpowder is easily ignited, but do reports from field usage indicate any difficulties igniting the other propellants?
Hope they do well on their elk hunt. The .54 loaded right is a superior hunting caliber! Stick one of those bullets into a game animal where it will get in and out the other side ... tends to produce good results. Heavy enough slug will penetrate well and break bone. Fine caliber for hunting just about anything. If they find game and if they load their rifles right, they will very likely finish the day with a heavy meat pole. JMHO. Sincerely. bruce.
" Unlike most conservatives, libs have no problem exploiting dead children and dancing on their graves."