1888 Grade 2 Hammer Won Today:

[OH Osthaus]

Originally Posted by Bruce P Bruner

Edgar, I don’t believe black powder caused the ruination and havoc of any vintage barrels. All of the destruction was simply a result of neglect due to the lack of cleaning after use. Some of my oldest doubles (mid 1880’s) have unblemished bores from black powder use. I suppose I am a true traditionalist, vintage doubles were made for black powder use. I enjoy the sound, the smell and the smoke.

pitting and barrel damage out lived black powder by decades - you see it in fluid steel from the smokeless age as well

IMHO - it was the residue from corrosive primers that - yes, along with the lack of cleaning it out that ate the steel.

the older the barrels the longer they were exposed to it

they actually called them corrosive because they knew

[Mills]

Edgar gives good advice

[Dean Romig]

But I hate the cleanup!





.

[Bruce P Bruner]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

But I hate the cleanup!
.

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.

[mobirdhunter]

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

[Bruce P Bruner]

Originally Posted by Garry L Gordon

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".

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Bruce P Bruner

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!

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by Bruce P Bruner

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.

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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[Bruce P Bruner]

“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.

[Stan Hillis]

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.