[Joeaksa]

I could cut and paste but am not Slopat, so read this link about the new substitute powders.

http://www.gunnersden.com/blackpowder/index.htm.blackpowder-substitutes.html

Personally I always hated all the hassle of cleaning black powder guns. A revolver really needed to be totally taken apart, while a rifle like Tabs needed a bath in hot water and good scrubbing to get it off.

The new powder eliminates this to a large extent. You still need to clean it but not as extensive.

Tabs is correct on the kick on the long rifles. I used to have a .50 Hawken copy (would give my right nut for a real Hawken) and then moved up to a .54 Sharon but have not shot anything in years.

Black powder just sorta pushes the ball out of the barrel. Drop over long range is noticeable but these weapons are still very accurate when shot correctly. A lot of fun to shoot and well worth trying.