" I' m trying to shoot a bit more traditional"
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FIDeerman

Ya' gotta have the right gun to do that... hopefully yours is a 1-48" twist. I know of no other twist that shoots conicals, roundballs & sabot/bullets accurately.

The best " substitute" powder out there today in " loose" FF is 777
The best blackpowder out there today in " loose" FF is Swiss

There' s been no email reply by American Pioneer that suggest a " composition" change since they acquired/changed the name from Cleanshot. Thus, Pioneer remains the easiest to clean but lowest amongst the substitutes in velocity/energy with the same volume used. Pioneer also seems to have the shortest shelf life.

Actually, in tests conducted by posters on the net, the only " slower" real blackpowder in chrono tests of major brands conducted was the Elephant brand.