Date: 29 Jul 94  19:53:38
From: Ed Harris
To:   Fred Miller
Subj: UPDATE on Black Canyon Pdr.

Black Canyon Powder - UPDATED Test Data - REVISED 7-28-94 

Please delete any previous versions.

Copyright, C. E. Harris, 1994, All Rights Reserved

Bulk density was determined experimentally by trickling various
bulk propellants into a graduated 50 cc plastic cylinder with
screw cap.  Each propellent type was settled by tapping the
cylinder with a pencil until the propellant was completely
settled and the cylinder was uniformly filled to its full
capacity and covered.  For each trial, the full cylinder was
weighed on an Ohaus laboratory balance, the container tare weight
subtracted and the net contents divided by the volume of the
measuring cylinder to the determine bulk density in grams per
cubic centimeter.  The following experimental results were
obtained:

Propellant Type:                       Bulk Density
                                       grams/cc
Tap water, control as                  0.999
calibration check

Black Canyon Powder                    0.983

Elephant Brand 2F, Black               1.104
Elephant Brand 3F, Black               1.123
Elephant Brand 4F, Black               1.080

Hodgdon Pyrodex, Select                0.680
Hodgdon Pyrodex, RS                    0.776
Hodgdon Pyrodex, P                     0.763

The Black Canyon Powder has an average particle size of about 2
mm and a maximum particle size of approximately 3 mm.  The grains
are light gray in color, angular and uncoated.  Because of the
large particle size, the powder could not be measured effectively
with a conventional black powder flask or mechanical measure.  
The opening in a Hodgdon pour spout was therefore enlarged with a
3/8" drill to permit easy dispensing of the propellant into an
adjustable tubve measure.

I have determined to my satisfaction that ALL of my preliminary
firing tests were adversely influenced by wetting of the powder
from bullet lubricant and bore cleaner residue.  It is extremely
important when using Black Canyon Powder to avoid oil-based
cleaners and lubricants!  Best results and normal velocities are 
obtained when the bore is degreased with mineral spirits or
acetone and dried thoroughly prior to loading.

After discussing my preliminary results with Fred Miller, who was
able to educate me from his experience (I dabble with too many things
to purport to be an expert on muzzleloaders, whereas this is Fred's
specialty) and also with Joe Carney, of New England Powder Distributors, I 
degreased and re-fired my tests again using three different .50 cal. T/C
rifles all side-by side on the same day.  It was a lot of work, but
the results were well worth the effort.

The re-testing was done with bare, unlubricated 370-gr. Maxi-Balls cast
from a T/C mould, to positively elliminate any chance of lubricant 
contamination. No over powder wads or lube of ANY kind were used. 

An adjustable MSM tube measure was opened to its maximum setting
of 120 grains, black powder bulk measurement.  This measured an
average charge of 94 grs. of Black Canyon powder by weight when
the tube was filled, the initial pour was settled, and the tube
then topped off again, and struck off.

Adequate compression of the charge was obtained by giving the
ramrod three sharp "whacks" with a light, 2-1/2 oz. rawhide
mallet, so that the mallet bounced slightly on the last pop.
The information below includes baseline data for the T/C .50 Cal.
rifles tested Black Canyon as well as other powders:

T/C New Englander .50 cal., 48" twist, 26" barrel.
T/C 370-gr. Maxi Ball lubed 1 part paraffin, 1 part anhydrous
lanolin, 2 parts Crisco, unless noted.

Charge    Velocity        Remarks

120 bulk  1169 fps.      Prelim. test 7-8-94. 10 @ 50 yds. in 2"
Black     52 Sd          Easy loading, almost no fouling, wiped
Canyon                   "clean" with one patch. LOW VELOCITY IN
                         THIS TEST ATTRIBUTABLE TO LUBRICANT
                         CONTAMINATION, SEE RE-TEST BELOW.

RE-TEST 7-28-94,         BARE, UNLUBED bullets, gun thoroughly
                         degreased prior to start.

120 bulk  1508 fps       Easy loading, no leading.  Cleaned up
Black     23 Sd          with one patch upon completion.
Canyon                   5x5-shots avg. 2.06" at 50 yards, fired
                         continuously without cleaning.  Largest
                         group 2.40, smallest 1.77".

Previous baseline data of previous "best loads" in New Englander:

60,  3F   1135 fps.      5x5-shots avg. 1.92" @ 50 yds.
Elephant  45 Sd          fired continuously without cleaning

80, 3F    1345 fps.      5x5-shots avg. 2.12" @ 50 yds.
Elephant  29 Sd          fired continuously without cleaning

80, P     1422 fps.      5x5 shots avg. 1.78" @ 50 yds.
Pyrodex   27 Sd          fired continuously without cleaning


T/C .50 Hawken, Green Mountain "Long Range Hunter" 28" twist, 30" long.

120 bulk  1325 fps       One target test for "light" compression
Black     100 Sd         effect on velocity. Charge compressed by
Canyon                   firm hand pressure on ram rod ball only.
                         Group was 2.52"

Repeat test follows with firm compression, mallet used to seat
rammer, three "whacks"

120 bulk  1554 fps       5x5 shots avg. 1.82" @ 50 yds.
Black     31 Sd          fired continuously without cleaning.
                         Largest group was 2.27", smallest 1.07".

Previous Maxi-Ball load test in this barrel:

80, 3F    1324 fps       5x5 shots avg. 1.66" @ 50 yds. fired
Elephant  11 Sd          continusly without cleaning


T/C .50 Renegade, 48" twist

120 bulk  1648 fps       Stated velocity is NOT a typo!
Black     23 Sd          5x5 shots avg. 2.14" @ 50 yds. fired
Canyon                   continuously without cleaning.  Largest
                         group was 3.68", smallest 1.18".

Previous baseline data for this rifle:

80, P     1425 fps       15x5 shots avg. 1.84" @ 50 yds., fired
Pyrodex   27 Sd          in three sessions, each 5x5 continuously
                         without cleaning.

100, 2F   1367 fps       13x5 shots avg. 1.86" @ 50 yds., fired
Elephant  24 Sd          in three sessions of 4-5 tgts. each,
                         continuously without cleaning.

90, 3F    1365 fps       5x5 shots avg. 1.75, fired continuously
Elephant  6 Sd           without cleaning.

CONCLUSION:

These results show that the Black Canyon Powder, when properly
managed, according to the maker's instructions, approximates the
accuracy attainable with black or Pyrodex, and can do so without
the use of any bullet lubricant, despite heavy loads at full
hunting velocity.

The biggest problem I see with this powder is that the
granulation is so coarse, people are going to have a difficult
time pouring and measuring it.  The standard Pyrodex pour spout
doesn't work well unless the hole in the spout is enlarged to
3/8". 

Also, shooters who are used to a soft, greasy lubricant to keep
black powder fouling soft must be cautioned not to use such lubes
with Black Canyon.  Black Canyon is more sensitive than either
black powder or Pyrodex to contamination caused by bullet lubricants,
gun oils or cleaners.

Because Black Canyon produces almost no fouling, no lubricants are needed.
No leading was experienced when firing bare T/C Maxi Balls in the 48" and 28" 
twist barrels, despite the fact that velocities exceeded 1500 f.p.s.  I will 
be the first to admit that when Joe Carney told me I didn't need
to lube the bullets I thought he wasx crazy, but I am now convinced!

I intend to re-shoot test groups with the Ruger Old Army, this
time using only a tight-fitting bullet with no grease.  I will
post an update with further results as I get them.  I am now sold
on Black Canyon, but will continue my testing to re-evaluate its 
potential suitability for revolvers and shotguns.

I must point out, however, that it is important that for it to be
used successfully requires some re-learning of ways you may have 
gotten used to.  Shooters have to be very careful about thoroughly
degreasing their gun bores and should carry a light mallet to
ensure the charge is adequately, but not excessively compressed.

You cannot use the same soft bullet lubricants and cleaning methods
used with black powder or Pyrodex, but the good news is that you don't
have to!  You get the smoke and the fun without the mess and corrosion.
As long as the caps you use are noncorrosive, such as CCI or RWS, you can 
postpone cleaning for a considerable time.  I did some test firing this
week at my buddy's hunting camp during a rain storm, and only wiped off the 
outside of the gun.  I brought it home and put it in the basement, which also 
flooded in a gully washer storm a few days later.

Upon inspecting the gun this morning I found had some exterior rust
from ambient moisture, but the bore was perfect.

Fred Miller has converted me.  I like this stuff!


In Home Mix We Trust, Regards, Ed


--- msged 2.05
 * Origin: Home of Ed's Red (1:109/120.3006)
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

