Fellow shooters please pity an old geezer's late turn to loading BP. I've shot BPCR rifles for long time albeit with other fuel. The however is that twice now I've had opportunity to shoot at NRA registered BP Silhouette matches (as non competitive trial with same old timey kit and rifles.) The host clubs have been great and indulgent while we attempted to hit dem Steel critters. Now admittedly knocking down Rams at honest 500 meters is not for weak as it is addictive you know I did however clean one bank completely (45-70) an second bank not so many. SO to make it a honest situation I've purchased a new HW in 40-65 caliber this week to comply with game rules and opened my powder storage cabinet. Here is where I wish to ask a few questions. Now please don't jump on me to hard 73 winter's has left a body looking for up side of this hobby. Granted there are myriads of magical loads. My current Q is that previous dabble in muzzle stuffing has left a legacy of Pyrodex Select, RS 2FF equal on hand for starters. Mind part of this exercise is to clear out storage cabinet too. Later with knowledge gained new fuel supplied will be found. So far in head long dive mode the following components are on order. Star line 40-65 brass, Lyman 410655 mold, .410 sizing dies and Lyman reloading die set. Some 0.060" fiber wads are included the rest is in good supply. THE question is how much ye ol' Pyrodex should be used to break in rifle and shooter for REAL silhouettes now. Understand obvious that one infected with dark bug this supply won't last and I'll be lurking here to gain ALL the mystical tricks possible ;-) Thanks in advance RB

Coming over to the dark side makes you see the light better

I know nothing about Pyrodex short of what a guy I shoot with now and then at our range that uses it, or used it. He does pretty good with it but I saw several times when he pushed a dry patch down the bore to clean out the oil before shooting and several times it was brown.
Kurt

You will find that Pyrodex is a poor substitute for real black powder. I experimented with it years ago and still have a 1/2 pound of RS to blow away in my cap and ball pistols. When our Sportsman's Warehouse closed years ago I bought 10 pounds of Cartridge for a song and after testing found it only useful in Shotgun loads. It takes just as much or more time to clean rifle and brass as real black powder and does attract moisture quicker than black. When you get a chance try the OE 2 fg and I believe you will be pleased with the results.

Beat bet is to go to some muzzleloaders match and sell the pyrodex and get some real black. That's what I did a long time ago, Welcome to the Dark Side!

You might want to try enough of the Pyrodex that with the bullet fully seated it compresses about a tenth of an inch.
In the meantime if you get a chance snag some Olde Eynsford 2 f, load 62 gr. and a .030 fiber wad. RP 9 1/2 primer

X2 on REAL, BP
Old 'E' 2F, has worked very well in my .45-70 and .45-90.
Do you cast your own bullets?
Gary

Answer for Mr.True Grits is yes, casting has been practiced for 40+ winters and counting. Backing up I have had the great fortune to compete in NRA High Power and Long Range events over 5 decades. During that time the only factory Blamo used was during official Service rifle competitions. That includes 10s of thousands of rounds in practice and league shoots. Had a try at Muzzle loading competitive shoots and alas found casting ball would not match swaged Hornady spheres for match accuracy. Of the 4 Elk I am privileged to have grounded out West all fell to hand loads (Noslers/.338 Win Mag) My BPCR has for years been done with S------- powder at gong matches like Quigley ('12 & '14 ;-) and at Baker('14) where we met the great KURT himself. This "revelation" in BP loads is only a slight course correction to comply with Official Silhouette game. As has been told I met a number of good people at matches and out of respect for their native ways and means to Smack daylight out of Steel Critters wish to follow along. I have already gained knowledge by asking on this forum. I'll be taking from Lumpy advise and seek supply of Old E 2F. The Pyrodex in stores can still be funneled into some muzzle loaders on hand for celebrating holidays when Boom is more important than impact. Thanks for your observations RB

I see the hook has been set deep.....
LG

Hooked!! That's hook line and sinker Please pardon that I digressed from technology. Any project worth while has passion and daring do. The BBT should arrive with mold and goodies today. The new rifle is in transit to my FFL holder. The topic of refining accurate loads based on very helpful and sage advice on this forum will be reported soon. The Lyman 410655 casts are reported to be 1.305" long. The new barrel is 1:16 twist what's the better stability factor? I'm sure there will be additions to molds on hand. This 40-65 should be significantly lower recoil than ye Ol' 45-70s even with 400gr pills. If possible I'd like to stick with one bullet initially. Have recovered Mike Vinturino's old Handloader article on BPCR. According William Falin's work the Lyman 410655 is touted for long range even though it has flat point. these were the points that led to picking this mold for starter. Best to all & small groups.

You are going to like that High wall and 40-65 its a very nice combination of low recoil and good velocity for hunting steel critters ?
Consider Swiss in 2X for powder and don't push things too hard loading as low as mid 50's of that powder will surprise you poly wads are also nice

It's obvious your already having fun. Stay Safe

Dave