Muzzleloading Propellants Differ

There are three basic configurations of muzzleloading propellants traditional black powder, Pyrodex (essentially black powder with cleaning and scrubbing agents added), and so-called sulfur free propellants such as Triple-7, Blackhorn 209 and American Pioneer.

The advantage of black powder is that is has a low ignition temperature and is reliable, but it is also highly volatile and its corrosive residue builds up very quickly in the barrel. A patch must be run down the barrel after a couple of heavy loads or the gun becomes virtually unloadable.

Pyrodex has better multiple-shot capabilities without using a wiping pass than black powder; a bit higher ignition temperature and is not as volatile. Because Pyrodex contains sulfur, it must be cleaned from the gun after each shooting session as well.

Several companies have struggled to create a sulfur-free (cleaner burning) muzzleloading propellant that provides dependable performance and is economically viable to produce. Most of the products, however, have proven less than satisfactory.

Hodgdon's Triple Seven was probably the first truly effective sulfur free product. American Pioneer and Blackhorn 209 also are more recent sulfur-free successes.

When using sulfur-free products, breech plug threads should be heavily lubricated. Their residue is dry and tends to set up hard on the breech plug and in the form of a ring in the barrel a couple of inches ahead of the chamber.

Cleaning a muzzleloader is like doing the dishes after a fine meal only more essential. Regardless of advertising claims, it is best to clean your gun after each shooting.

Modern in-line rifles can usually be thoroughly cleaned and reassembled for storage in less than 20 minutes. Although most can be cleaned with soap and water (not hot water, which opens the pores of the metal), there are plenty of solutions specifically designed for cleaning muzzleloaders. Get in the habit of regularly removing and thoroughly cleaning your nipple assembly and breech plug. Improper maintenance of the fire hole is the number one cause of ignition failure.