Pyrodex R to P?

[strmrdr]

I think you may be confusing pyrodex for black powder.
pyrodex in how it is made is closer to smokeless powder than true black powder.
It uses additives and coatings just like smokeless powder does to set the burning rate.

Now with true black powder which 99% of what is available in the US isnt because its too unstable you can change the burning rate.

In true black powder the burning rate is dependant on granule size.
The bigger each granule is the slower it burns.
cannon being the biggest granule
f next biggest.
ffff the smallest.
You could take f black powder and force it thru a screen with ff sized holes then filter it with a screen size of fff that batch would be ff.
then you could screen the left overs with a ffff screen and seperate out the fff powder.
Whats left is dust and ffff you could then gently blow off the dust and use whats left the ffff in the pan of your flintlock.

This is how blackpowder was actualy sorted and graded in the old days.

edit to add> dont try this at home the odds are it will blow up in your face.
It was usualy done wet and once dry there isnt anyway to get it back to the wet state.

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VERITAS VINCIT



[This message has been edited by strmrdr (edited 16 June 2002).]

[Ahab]

You don't want to "water down" R to P !!! R is slower burning than P !!!

Either use it in a rifle, or sell it to someone who wants to use it in a rifle!

DON'T mess around with it! You'll wind up blowing your head off! Or worse yet, some one elses!

[Lasergunner]

...If you are changing the burning rate doesn't that also mean that you are changing the rate of decomposition? Rate of decomposition=strength of the charge?

What whould adding sulpher do?

How about adding an inert substance like talc?

[strmrdr]

Because even if you mix it with charcoal its still Pyrodex R and has the wrong burn rate for most pistols.

RS (Rifle/Shotgun, a 2F equivalent)
P (Pistol, a 3F equivalent)
Select (a premium 2F equivalent)

Frankly messing around with an explosive powder in a way that wasnt intended isnt a good idea.
Follow the factory directions and stay safe.


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VERITAS VINCIT

[Lasergunner]

...And the reason is..........?

[strmrdr]

NO

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VERITAS VINCIT

[Lasergunner]

...Picked up some Pyrodex R for a nickel at a garage sale. I have a black powder revolver. Is it possible to reduce or "water down" R to P? For instance can it be cut with charcoal?