Reloading Cartridges
with
Triple Seven and Pyrodex
Granular Powder

.

Both Triple Seven and Pyrodex, Direct Replacements for Conventional Black Powder, Can be Used to Reload Brass Cartridge Cases

by Timothy P. Banse

The procedure is as simple as the sea is salt and you can use a powder measure designed for smokeless powders.

That said, there is one particular element of knowledge base that cannot be overlooked. Know that both blackpowder and Pyrodex are very inefficient by smokeless powder's standards. Which requires seeing aside what one knows about smokeless powders and embracing the old ways of doing things.

The first point is vitally important: Only use data specifically developed for Triple Seven FFG only. Restated for emphasis, use load data exactly as listed. Use either card or polyethylene wads measuring up to .030" in thickness to protect the base of the bullet. Loading density should be 100% with light compression not to exceed .100". HOdgdon esting shows Triple Seven performs best when the bullet just touches the powder. Be careful not to allow any airspace between the base of the bullet and the powder. Do not reduce load volume with filler wads or inert filler material such as Grits, Dacron or Grex. Do not heavily compress the powder charge. Using filler wads, inert fillers or heavy compression may cause a dangerous situation, which could cause injury and/or death to the shooter, bystanders or damage property. Do not create loads for cartridges not listed. Contact Hodgdon Powder Company for recommendations concerning other loads.

Pyrodex In Cartridges:

Pyrodex burns best in straight walled cases, but also works satisfactorily in bottle necked cartridges so long as certain caveats are observed. EXTREME WARNING: Never allow an air pocket in any cartridge loaded with Pyrodex. Load density must be 100% by light compression. No problem: Loaders can accomplish 100% load density in either one of two ways:

1. Fill the case with powder to a level that provides light compression of the powder (1/16" to 1/8") when the bullet is seated. Similarly, bottle necked cases must be loaded in the same manner.

2. In straight walled case, insert a card or polyethylene wad between the bullet and the powder charge thereby protecting the base. Size wads to the internal diameter of the cartridge case. There can be no voids in the assembled cartridge. Just like with Triple Seven, NEVER use filler material.

A word of caution. The long drop tubes I have seen are plastic. Plastic tubes and funnels in the correct humidity and temperature are an invitation to static electricity. A better practice would be to use an aluminum funnel and tap the case if needed. Plastic drop tubes are forbidden in black powder reloading rooms (Static electricty). Savvy aficionados use a 14-inch brass tube with funnel on the top that tapers to fit the case mouth or narrower. Employing a brass tube and funnel prevent static electricity generated from plastic parts. Tubes effectively slow the filling, allowing the grains of powder to settle, eliminating voids that would otherwise be caused by simply dumping the powder.

You already know firearms burning conventional black powder or Pyrodex should be cleaned with with natural cleaning solvents. Just as importantly, prior to reloading a cartridge cases that have been fired with Pyrodex require special care in order to prevent corrosion. As soon as possible after firing, de-prime the cases and immerse them in solution of 50% water and white vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar neutralizes corrosive residues remaining in the case. Limit soaking time of the cases in the vinegar to 10-minutes for the simple reason that soaking for longer may etch the brass which would shorten case life. When dunked in the 50/50 solution, bubbles and alkaline crud rise up out of the interior of the cases. After about ten minutes, rinse the cases with clear water. Finally, dry, then polish, in a tumbler with corncob or walnut shell media.

Triple Seven FFG		Load Data
Caliber	Bullet	Charge (grains)	Velocity (fps)
.38 Special	125 LRNFP	20	931
.38 Special	158 LSWC	15	785
.38-40 WCF	180 LRNFP	30	887
.44 Special	200 LRNFP	25	907
.44 Special	200 LSWC	20	778
.44-40 WCF	200 LRNFP	30	830
.44 Remington Magnum	200 LSWC	30	984
.44 Remington Magnum	240 LRNFP	25	868
.45 Colt	200 LRNFP	35	959
.45 Colt	250 LRNFP	30	838
.38-55 Win	250 Lyman Cast	35	1261
.40-65 Win	400 LRFNP	50	1152
.45-70 Govt	405 Cast LFP	60	1261
.45-120 Sharps	500 Lyman #457193	95	1511
.45-120 Sharps	500 Lyman #457125	95	1375