Pryodex will definately be more reliable on ignition in a sidelock. It is a reliable and accurate powder in my T/C renegade.
I used to have problems with 777, but got some pointers on websites and now I use fffg 777 in my T/C renegade with no problem. Here is what I do:
As stated, use the fffg powder (finer grain) which makes it easier for the grains to get into the side channel. Pour the first 15-20 gr of powder down the barrel, then tilt it toward the sidlock side and bump the rifle with your hand trying to get some grains down in the sidechannel. Then pour the rest of the load down and load the bullet. That along with the musket caps should do the trick. In fact, I use the CCI, magnum #11 caps with no problem.
P.S. That seems to work fine for the range, but to be extra sure for hunting I always do one more thing: I unscrew the nipple and pour a couple of grains in there, then replace the nipple. I do this whether using pyrodex or 777. Can't testify to whether this is totally safe, but I have not had any problem and never had a misfire in the field.
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Last edited by txhunter58; 01-30-2010 at 05:59 PM.
Another option ive had excellent results with in a sidelock is american pioneer and jim shockeys gold. My brothers shooting it out of a cva hawken and hes shot about 50 + rounds with it in the past 2 days and not a single hang fire or misfire with the powder. Hes even shooting the big 360 grain minies out of it.
I never tried FFFg, but I can testify that FFg will NOT reliably ignite with #11 caps, even if you remove the nipple and prime the snail, in sub-freezing temps. I gave up at that point and went back to Pyrodex for sidelocks even though I hate the stuff after being spoiled by the easier cleanup of 777.
I have not had a gun where I could try musket caps so I have no information for you there. Musket caps + FFFg....MAYBE....
Above and beyond the ignition problem which can be solved but is more trouble than the results are worth Pyrodex work better in a side lock for me because 777 tends to blow the patch with great consistency.
If you feel you must use 777 start by getting some good wads slightly over sized to the bore then get a musket nipple and some good RWS musket caps.
The wad will protect the patch most of the time and the Musket cap will ignite 777 most of the time.
Number 11 caps ignite it most of the time but I could tel that every shot was a slight hang fire. Lee
Because you use CCI Musket caps, I can not see you having a lot of problems no matter what powder you shoot. The mistake a lot of people make is they do not prepare the rifle first. Clean dry barrel, and make sure the bolster/drum has been blown clean. When you see burn marks on a patch when you are setting the gun up, if the powder is good, it should go off.
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I've shot 777 ffg in my sidelocks for years. Pyrodex will ignite better probably but I've never had a problem getting 777 to go off and I like how it cleans up better and is more powerful so I stick with that. I just use CCI Mag #11s without any problem. Your musket caps should more than do the trick. As Cayguad says, the key is preparing the nipple and the bore.
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In my experience real BP is the most reliable, Pyrodex a close second, and the other subs a distant third.
T-7 would be my choice of subs, but I also have a 209 conversion nipple I can use in my sidelocks if I'm forced to use those powders.
pyrodex or 777 in sidelock
