black powder/pyro pellet equivalency question

[mainer]

I've tried lots of different substitutes over the years, but a long time ago settled in with Goex FFG. Now my .45 caliber CVA Kodiak, which I got about a year ago, calls for UP TO 150 grains of pellets(3), but only 120 grains maximum if I load with the real thing. I realize the "point of diminishing returns" issue with maximum charges, but this brings up a question, probably a stupid one, but here goes: Will less BP give ballistic stats comparable to a greater charge of pelletized? I like the BP alot, but have to confess I got a whole boatload of .45 cal pyrodex pellets at W-Mart after the season ended for three bucks a box. Quite frankly, any thing but BP is an affront to my manhood, but the devil made me buy the pellets....or maybe I'm just a cheap skate! Thanks in advance.

 

[fairchase]

The 100 grs of real BP I'm using is about 300 fps slower than 2 Pyrodex pellets with FFFg and 350fps slower with FFg. Wih equal amounts real BP just dosen't create the same pressure as the subs. I suggest you shoot some of both through a cronograph, thats what I did, but then again my comparison was not with Goex.

 

[mainer]

Thanks Fairchase. It occurred to me later last night that I'm talking volume not weight with the BP. I'm not knowledgable enough on the subject to know if this is a factor also. Anyway, the CVA standards are based on volume of loose powder. Also, I thought Goex is BP. It says on the front of the can (red) that it is.

 

[fairchase]

You've got it, Goex is BP. I should have explained that my results were based on Wano BP and that each brand is different, so your results will be different. Good luck.