[TedH]

I was considering loading some 375 Winchesters with black powder or Pyrodex under a 250 gr. cast bullet just for the heck of it.  I would assume that they would shoot like an original 38-55.  I would like to know how much of a pain it would be to clean up after shooting.  Can just the bore be cleaned or does it get down into the action as well and require complete disassembly to clean?

 

[Muleskinner]

Ted,
I tried it with my 1886.  To me, it is too much hassle.  Like to never have gotten it clean.  I can't imagine using it in elk camp.  Maybe with a takedown rifle it would be easier.  I've settled for cast loads using 3031.  Too bad really, the BP loads shot real good.

 

[IDShooter]

TedH,
     I've used Pyrodex in a Model 94 30-30. I used a very compressed load to promote uniform, clean burning. After about ten shots, I had to clean the bore so the cartridges would chamber due to fouling in the throat. But my accuracy and uniformity were excellent! I used Lyman 31141 cast bullets.
       As for clean up, yes it took quite a bit of cleaning to get the bore spotless! I didn't find that any fouling got into the action. However my cases turned black as coal! If you do this experiment, be sure to take along a  jug of vinegar and water that you can drop your cases into after firing. (I learned that trick afterwards&#33<!--emo&--><img src="http://beartoothbullets.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''><!--endemo-->  If you want a smokeless powder that duplicates BP performance, try 5744. You use smaller charges, but the velocity/pressure ratio is similar  to BP. I've had superb results with it. Let us know what you decide to do!    IDShooter

 

[J Miller]

I have a Mdl 94 Trapper in .45 Colt.  I tried some Pyrodex loads in it and within 25 rounds the action was locked up.  
What happened was powder blowing back past the case into the action.
This is of course a low pressure cartrige and the cases wern't expanding to seal the chamber.
Other rounds such as the 38-55, and some bottle necked ones might not have this problem.  
But it required stripping it down to the last screw for a major cleaning.  
So unless I had an original that required black powder, I would pass.

 

[TedH]

These are the kind of responses that I expected to read.  I think I will stick with smokeless for now.  This rifle is new to me and all I have shot with it is factory Winchester stuff and some 220 gr Hornadys over Reloader 7.  Both of those shot great.  I have some 245 gr. cast bullets to try out next.  Thanks for your opinions.  Ted