I’ve seen many contrasting reports as to whether one can safely fire smokeless ammo in a blackpowder gun. For sake of argument, let’s use the single action army and the Winchester 73 as basis for my question, but the question is general as to all black powder cartridge guns and I’m happy for specific examples of other guns and calibers.
I’ve seen that blackpowder and smokeless have different pressure curves and that’s why a BP cartridge gun isn’t safe with smokeless. I’ve also seen where Elmer Keith apparently used the old 45 colt guns with smokeless and he made no mention of it. I’ve also seen in Cartridges of the world where they offer a smokeless recommendation for a black powder duplication load and the admonition that pressure must be kept low in the old guns. I’ve also read the same other places but cannot remember now the reference.
Is there a source anyone can reference as to why you cannot use smokeless in BP cartridge guns. I mean a real source like a lab, a reloading manual, or an article where folks have done extensive testing and not just a “because” reference.
I don’t have any BP cartridge guns, I’m just curious about it.
Thanks.
Bazoo