But I hate the cleanup!





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That's a beautiful gun.

I don't dispute that using traditional powders is fun, and if the bang and smoke gives you some pleasure, by all means, have at it. Your first two sentences seem to be in opposition with one another. Shooting black powder, on a crisp fall day, and properly cleaned afterward is unlikely to ever be an issue. However, a damp day causes the residue to almost immediately turn to sulfuric acid and it doesn't take any time at all to start frosting an otherwise mint bore. The slower burning Fg will always leave more residue than FFg. I use Fg in my 4 and 8 bore cannons, and they aren't too easy to clean. The 4 bore is well over 100 pounds and my wife isn't keen on my putting it in her kitchen sink.

Nonsense, cleanup is quick. Soapy water on a patch wrapped around a brush easily cleans the bore, followed by a dry patch or two and a subsequent light coat of oil.
Admittedly my hands do get dirty. I’m inclined to do the soap & water, dry and oil immediately after shooting. When I get home I revert to Hoppes and oil. Then, I’m confident the bores are spotless and I can put the gun away. I love the smell of Hoppes.
Everyone has their own opinion on the use of the “Holy Black”. I just feel black powder gets an unjust reputation. It’s safe and I’m never concerned about “over pressure”. Probably impossible.
I greatly respect everyone’s opinions here, especially Edgar and Dean. We can all enjoy our conversations and still be friends at the end of the day.

“However, a damp day causes the residue to almost immediately turn to sulfuric acid and it doesn't take any time at all to start frosting an otherwise mint bore.”
Edgar, I’m in full agreement. There are situations where the black just isn’t appropriate and a suitable RST makes more sense.

Bruce, you can honestly say you "smoked one" when you make a shot with that gun. I'd like to see that.

The shot column is visible just ahead of the smoke, much more dramatic in the late evening. You can just make out the orange clay pigeon too. The shotgun is an 1880's 12 gauge Clabrough sidelock hammer gun at the Pawnee Grasslands.
"Smoke 'em if 'ya got 'em".

That is cool!

Bruce - saying my very valid opinion is “nonsense” regarding cleanup isn’t the best way to support your last paragraph in your post.

I have used black powder enough to know that, for me, the cleanup is NOT somehing I ever want to do again.

But I am enjoying this conversation and like you said, we’re still friends.





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I'm a diehard purist when it comes to black powder. I don't own a breechloading hammergun that would be period correct for blackpowder at this time, but used an original 16 ga. Powell S X S with Goex black for doves and quail, and now a Manton. Even through all my years competing in m/l rifle roundball competition and hunting deer with them, I've never fired a charge of any "black powder substitute". It's either the real stuff for me, or nothing.

I have killed limits of doves with the S X S Powell on more than one occasion. Loads of fun. Never found the cleanup to be much of an issue.

I think the more you shoot black powder the better routine you develop for cleaning your guns. So it "seems" like less of a chore.

I do think everyone should experience shooting an early Parker with brass black powder shells like the gun would have shot when new. I do enjoy shooting black powder cartridge shotguns/rifles and muzzleloaders. Though I find I do this in phases. I'll be really into it for awhile and then not do it for a year or so.

When I do it, I really do enjoy shooting black powder. It takes time to figure out loads that pattern well, which is both challenging and satisfying. I am sure I mentioned to the group before(because I was telling everyone...) I shot the muzzleloader event and black powder cartridge event at the Southern this year and really enjoyed it. I learned a lot from the muzzleloader guys and gals that I hope to incorporate next year. My Grade 3 10 Gauge Lifter with 28" barrels choked Mod/Cyl got me a 21/25 at the black powder cartridge event, not bad for my first time and I have some ideas to improve for next year.

I think if you're really into it you "BS" yourself into thinking all the extra work is work it is not a big deal, which is what I do(and will happily continue to do).

Now what I would love to do...is get a group of us together who have drank the Kool Aid so to speak, and put together a Parker Hammer gun Black Powder hunting trip. I think that would be a lot of fun.