Triple 7 in Hand Gun

MacD · Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 1:53 pm Post subject: Triple 7 in Hand Gun

Has anyone tried this in say 45 Colt or perhaps in another caliber?

TRBLSHTR · Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 2:02 pm Post subject: Re: Triple 7 in Hand Gun

Nope-have'nt tried it-should work similar to bp as originally used in long colts,but I hate cleaning bp subsitute out of metal-total pita! Mad

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

One of the worst powders I ever used in my muzzleloaders. Could not get sub-6" groups at 100 yards. Went back to pyrodex and immediately was playing connect the dots again. Terrible stuff in my rifles.

-Dallanc

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 7:02 pm Post subject: Re: Triple 7 in Hand Gun

I haven't tried it in a cartridge yet. Shoots great in my Encore, 1.5" groups with PowerBelt bullets. Oddly enough I was never impressed with Pyrodex. Might give 777 a try this winter in the .45 Colt or .45-70.

SingleShotLover · Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 5:05 am Post subject: Re: Triple 7 in Hand Gun

DallanC wrote:

One of the worst powders I ever used in my muzzleloaders. Could not get sub-6" groups at 100 yards. Went back to pyrodex and immediately was playing connect the dots again. Terrible stuff in my rifles.

-Dallanc

Which proves that each person's firearms are individually unique. I have heard others make the same statements, but I have had exceptional luck with Triple7, but only mediocre luck with Pyrodex! Go figure!

If you choose to try Triple7 in your handgun loads, remember that it (like Pyrodex) is meant to be used on a volume-to-volume basis, not by actual weight. In other words, if your target weight is 50 grains of black powder and you have a measure that holds that amount, that is the same amount (by volume) that you should use of Triple 7 or Pyrodex. Either will actually weigh a bit less than black powder, but both normally will generate a bit more energy. Confused? Hope not...it's worth a try.

As to clean up, it cleans just like smokeless. No hassle and no having to check the firearm every few weeks during storage for rust. Clean well, oil and you're fine.

Bushmaster · Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 8:58 am Post subject: Re: Triple 7 in Hand Gun

I see nothing but prejudise here. Definitely don't like Pyrodex. Have had good results with 777. But much prefer real black powder for a .50 TC Hawken.

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 9:13 am Post subject: Re: Triple 7 in Hand Gun

OK Ill add one Black Horn 209 Hiding

. I have used both 777 and pyrodex as well ..I think the 209 burns very clean and shoots very accurately in my TC

MacD · Posted: Sun Oct 27, 2013 2:33 pm Post subject: Re: Triple 7 in Hand Gun

Triple 7 ships as smokeless hence my interest. BP is hard to find here as it is classified higher in the TDC rules. From what I have read filling a case to the bullet base is recommended or enough to just allow room for a. 030 wad between the bullet and powder. Only FFg is specified for handguns. Maximum is 35 grains in volume. Not sure how you measure this without a BP measure but this is said to be approximately 25 grains by weight. I suppose it is nostalgia but I would get a kick out of smoking out the firing lane just once.

Bushmaster · Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 6:54 am Post subject: Re: Triple 7 in Hand Gun

When you do "smoke out the firing lane" make sure you are standing up wind of the other shooters. Laughing

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

777 is hotter than normal pyrodex RS, similar to P. My documentation states to reduce loads by 10% from pyrodex loads. I tried varying powder charges dramatically trying to find something that worked, but nada. As a control I went back to plain pyro and accuracy was right back to what I expect.

Around here, Blackhorn 209 is becoming way more popular than 777 for frontstuffers. I think its classified the same as 777 for shipping purposes and is nitrocellulose based. Might want to consider that as well as a BP substitute.

-DallanC

chambered221 · Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2013 5:39 pm Post subject: Re: Triple 7 in Hand Gun

Hodgdon's basic manuals have data and yes they warn against compression of powder !!!

I prefer Pyrodex Select but I think they quit making it.

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

chambered221 wrote:

Hodgdon's basic manuals have data and yes they warn against compression of powder !!!

Wait what...!?!?!?! When did this change, they always recommended compressing powder in muzzleloaders. In fact there was a pressure "clicker" for sale that attached to a muzzleloader ramrod that would click when you put adequate pressure on the ball & powder! Maybe the warning is for excessive pressure... but I've seen the ramrod clickers for sale.

-DallanC

chambered221 · Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2013 3:53 pm Post subject: Re: Triple 7 in Hand Gun

Sorry for any confusion I may have created !!!

The data and warning I'm referring too is Triple 7 specific for pistol and rifle cartridges. (the original post was use in a 45 Colt)

chambered221 · Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2013 4:04 pm Post subject: Re: Triple 7 in Hand Gun

Mac....... This manual (2007) also list Pyrodex Pistol Pellet data for the 45 Colt !!!