Performance - T7 and Pyrodex

[tacotime]

Started "BP" shooting with Pyrodex, because that was what I inherited. Shot some decent RB groups with it out of a Ruger Old Army with a badly pitted bore.

Lately tried some T7. First load try at least, did not produce as good a group, with one FTF out of 24 shots (replaced cap did fire it).

Just wondering how your experience is between these two powders? (ignoring the corrosion issue).

[Nobade]

T7 is a lot more powerful. Pyro needs heavy compression, and T7 needs none at all and doesn't work quite right if it is compressed. Pyro needs a good BP lube and T7 works with smokeless lube. T7 costs more. About all I can think of now. Oh, both are markedly inferior to real BP in most uses.

-Nobade

[drhall762]

I second Nobade. BP has always shot better for me than Pyrodex. Have not even bothered to try T7.

[Mike Brooks]

Real BP is the only way to go.

[tacotime]

Thanks.

So how do you handle the compression on the 777? Virtually none?

What about compression with Pyro?

[hylander]

Thanks.

So how do you handle the compression on the 777? Virtually none?

What about compression with Pyro?

I have been shooting 777 for many years, my go to powder, mostly because real black is hard to find around here.
I personally love it, Compression is never a problem. I compress it like BP.
I have never once had a FTF or any other issue.
My Volocities are higher than BP and my rifles and revolvers are just as accurate or better than with BP.
I can use FF or FFF 777 in my 50 Cal. rifle with the same accuracy but the FFF gives me a little higher volocity.
Personally I have no use for Pyro or any of the other substitute of BP.
That being said, there is nothing like shooting Black ;-)

[rodwha]

Hodgdon's actually states to compress it "firmly" when loading into percussion and flintlock weapons. It states to compress lightly in cartridges. What exactly "firmly" means can't be confirmed as they haven't responded to any of my inquiries, but it's certainly more than lightly.

I've read of a few people who compress it with a lot of force without erratic velocities, and so I've tried compressing it quite hard myself. Haven't noticed any problems, but I don't have a chronograph.