Manual

11
characteristic of Smokeless Powders to burn in a controlled manner within a given pres-
sure range. Control of this pressure range requires the proper application of the powder
to the specific purpose and in the quantities for which it was designed to be used.
Never use smokeless powder of any type or in any quantity in a muzzleloading
firearm, and never mix powders. The use of any smokeless powder could result
in a detonation or explosion which could cause injury and/or death to the
shooter or bystanders and damage to property.
Confine your use to Black Powder or Pyrodex and learn how to identify these pow-
ders and to use them correctly in your muzzleloading firearm. Here we will deal first with
Black Powder for certainly it is the oldest of our propellant powders.
Black Powder is manufactured in four specific types or granulations for use in fire-
arms. Generally speaking, it is the granule size which determines the appropriate use of
Black Powder. Coarsest granulations are naturally the slowest burning and, therefore, work
best in large caliber firearms and shotguns. Pistols or small caliber firearms require a finer
or faster burning powder. The priming powder used in the pan of a flint lock is extremely
fine and fast burning. The accompanying chart will help you to recognize the various gran-
ulations of Black Powder and to relate them to their proper use.