1951 #6 pistol powder?

[bigted]

the header says it all. I would like to know what this powder was and what it compares to today.

thanks for the info.

[lylejb]

If it's dupont pistol powder #6 see this thread

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?210232-Old-powder-question

[blpenn66502]

Ideal Handbook No. 38 c. 1950s shows DuPont Pistol Powder No. 6 generally between Bullseye and Unique for most pistol loads from 30 luger to 45 colt. Closer to Bullseye than Unique based on charge weights.

[bigted]

the same Ideal handbook that I find this in has the #6 listed at 5 grains behind a 146 grain ball in 45-70 for 950 FPS. the same book lists the 144 grain collar button boolit with 5 grains Unique for 900 FPS. so it seems like it would be practically a even push between the #6 pistol and Unique powders according to the velocity's and grains of both powders and boolits.

I will go back and read the pistol section as I gleaned my info on the 45-70 data. what im really looking for is a general sameness with modern powder as I want to duplicate the duplex load they list for the 45-70 using #6 pistol and the rest filled with blackpowder. this is a controversial subject and I wish to not enter a discussion about the duplex practice but ... wanted general info on the duplication concerning the #6 pistol powder for todays powders.

thanks for the reply's so far.

[Ithaca Gunner]

Ted, I've never used a boolit below 380gr. in the .45-70, but have had good results with 5gr. of Unique under 50gr. of FFFG black powder with a 500gr. boolit. The Ideal handbook number 39, (1953) lists a duplex load using 7-8gr. of IMR#4759, (currently available) with the rest of the case filled with black powder to the boolit base. They printed this under the load data and do not give a boolit weight, but state they are very accurate. I loaded some of these under a LEE 405gr. hollow base boolit, but have not shot them yet. I have no reservations about shooting them in my 1884, I've just been too busy with other guns and working like a dog.

[bigted]

I have duplexed with 3031, rl-7, 4227, unique. all seem to work well but the nod so far has gone to the 4227. the 3031 did great but so far the 4227 seems the best in accuracy and clean burn.

ive know about this #6 pistol powder but never tried to compare it to modern powder. hence the question of where it falls into the scheme of things.

[mikeym1a]

Paul Matthews mentions these duplex loads in his book, saying that they leave very little residue in the barrel, making cleanup much easier.


Ted, I've never used a boolit below 380gr. in the .45-70, but have had good results with 5gr. of Unique under 50gr. of FFFG black powder with a 500gr. boolit. The Ideal handbook number 39, (1953) lists a duplex load using 7-8gr. of IMR#4759, (currently available) with the rest of the case filled with black powder to the boolit base. They printed this under the load data and do not give a boolit weight, but state they are very accurate. I loaded some of these under a LEE 405gr. hollow base boolit, but have not shot them yet. I have no reservations about shooting them in my 1884, I've just been too busy with other guns and working like a dog.