Cold Temps and Muzzleloaders
#11
Fork Horn
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 147
I have found out that In really cold weather real black powder always goes off, anything else maybe. I have had really bad hang fires with Pyrodex, 777 seams as though it looses lots of power cold. Hunting partner was using 777 couple years ago and noticed that when cold like -20 the gun would shoot about 10 inches low at 100 yds, warm gun and powder up, shoot again and ok. last winter he used Goex black, checked cold and within an inch of when warm. Guess if I,m going to hunt when its really I want my gun and load to be reliable, I'll use black powder.
#12
Firstly the sticks have more reports of problematic ignition compared to the loose APP 3F powder which is potent and reliable.
Secondly the primer should be fresh and the gun needs to be properly stored and sealed at both ends to keep moisture out between cold weather hunts and until it's discharged.
That includes protecting the bore from condensation.
The cold temperature shouldn't negatively affect anything if all is properly stored and sealed.
If there was a partial flash hole blockage then that's not a cold weather issue per se, but could have contributed to the problematic ignition due to the reasons above.
Secondly the primer should be fresh and the gun needs to be properly stored and sealed at both ends to keep moisture out between cold weather hunts and until it's discharged.
That includes protecting the bore from condensation.
The cold temperature shouldn't negatively affect anything if all is properly stored and sealed.
If there was a partial flash hole blockage then that's not a cold weather issue per se, but could have contributed to the problematic ignition due to the reasons above.
Last edited by arcticap; 05-01-2011 at 11:08 AM.
#13
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location:
Posts: 1,837
#15
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Rapid City, South Dakota
Posts: 3,732
Who makes the hiney? What caliber is it? How does it do with the newer powders? Is the breech plug removable? When one removes the breech plug does it require a tool? Does one need an FFL to mail it?............................................... ......................
#16
Who makes the hiney? What caliber is it? How does it do with the newer powders? Is the breech plug removable? When one removes the breech plug does it require a tool? Does one need an FFL to mail it?............................................... ......................
#17
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Northern WI
Posts: 853
Thanks for all the replies!
I plan to switch to Pyrodex. I only used Shockley's square sticks cause that is all that was left at the gun shop right in season. Also will switch to muzzleloader primer caps - I would suppose they burn hotter than regular reloading primer caps I was using.
Interesting comments on blackpowder vs. pellets. Sounds like powder is more accurate. And I think the round 777 pellets are better than the square sticks I used.
I plan to switch to Pyrodex. I only used Shockley's square sticks cause that is all that was left at the gun shop right in season. Also will switch to muzzleloader primer caps - I would suppose they burn hotter than regular reloading primer caps I was using.
Interesting comments on blackpowder vs. pellets. Sounds like powder is more accurate. And I think the round 777 pellets are better than the square sticks I used.
#18
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: MD/PA Line
Posts: 598
Thanks for all the replies!
I plan to switch to Pyrodex. I only used Shockley's square sticks cause that is all that was left at the gun shop right in season. Also will switch to muzzleloader primer caps - I would suppose they burn hotter than regular reloading primer caps I was using.
Interesting comments on blackpowder vs. pellets. Sounds like powder is more accurate. And I think the round 777 pellets are better than the square sticks I used.
I plan to switch to Pyrodex. I only used Shockley's square sticks cause that is all that was left at the gun shop right in season. Also will switch to muzzleloader primer caps - I would suppose they burn hotter than regular reloading primer caps I was using.
Interesting comments on blackpowder vs. pellets. Sounds like powder is more accurate. And I think the round 777 pellets are better than the square sticks I used.
#19
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: River Ridge, LA (Suburb of New Orleans)
Posts: 10,917
I'll never have to worry about that. At -20 my hiney is going to be inside by a fire.