Triple 7 Vaquero

[StevenK11]

So there I was today, experiencing an epiphany with a Vaquero shooting 38 Special and Hodgdon 777 powder.   It wasn’t like I was expecting any miracles or major improvements.   I had been happily going to the range each week shooting my 38 Special hand-loads and enjoying punching holes in paper.   It didn’t seem like there was much more I could do with my Stainless 5.5 inch Ruger New Vaquero.  I added the token improved grips to make it “unique” for me. It always went bang when I shot it, and everything was good.   

Then I said to myself, self, this is a replica of a classic SAA Colt.  The 38 Special is a classic cartridge, and deserves to be fired in its native black powder with this classic pistol, to truly experience the old ways.  Since I hadn't reloaded with real black powder before, and finding it is rare enough to frustrate; why not reload it with replica powder.   A replica SAA shooting a replica black powder.  What could be a more perfect match!?!?        Got the correct load information off of Hodgdon's web site, and built some 38 special rounds with Hodgen Triple Seven.

At the range:  I chambered up six, and aimed the Vaq downrange at the target…...and fired.  Boom.   Nice.   Smoke!     Recoil feels different!   Not a crack, but a heavy quick push.   Another 18 rounds more; still looking good.  Time to check the cylinder.  This stuff has to be plugging the hell out of this Vaq by now.   Cylinder isn’t spinning as freely anymore.  Feels a little tight.     Ok, I thought this might happen.  The Hodgdon 777 says:  “cleans up with water”.   Try cleaning my Vaq….with a damp cloth I brought.  The black just wipes off the cylinder face, and off the forcing cone.  Put the cylinder back in; spins freely again.   

Back at home, it’s time to give the Vaq a cleaning out.  Wet a patch with water.  Two pushes and everything came loose.  Another new wet patch.  Oh, that barrel is feeling slick again!   One more patch….clean!  ...and with water!

I’ve never had so much fun shooting a Vaquero as I did today.  Everything was fun.   Loading, shooting, and cleaning (yes, cleaning).     Only downside is I’m using a lot more 777 than I did with smokeless, and it's not cheap.

Ok, too long winded; but what have others experienced with this 777 powder in classic pistols?   This is my first time using it. 

[Glanceblamm]

StevenK11, Welcome To Graybeard Outdoors!

I sure have been tempted to load a few rounds up for my Vaquero as I hear that they are great fun. I am suprised that I have not done this to date, especially considering that I have been shooting Black Powder since '81.
In the end, I have sloshed around enough hot soapy water for the cap n ball's, Single shots, & rifles that I have decided to keep this corrosive stuff out of the innards of my gun which I mainly purchased for Hunting/shooting.
I may be just too lazy to break the action down for good cleanups

That triple seven is suppose to burn cleaner than black powder although I have never shot any of the stuff...further enhancements can be made by putting a patch on top of the powder which will keep you going longer.
We do have a (Hand loading metallic/black powder) forum here for some good ideas on this.
Good Shooting and Have Fun!

Edit for forum clarification =
Forum--Cowboy Action Shooting Topics
Sub-forum--Reloading Of CAS Rifle/Handgun with Black Powder

[44 Man]

I too have not tried triple 7 although I have long wanted to.  It's easy clean up is what I like, plus the fact that it provides a little more velocity than the other options.  You have me decided!  I'm going to pick up a can and give it a try.  I should be serious fun with .45lc!  44 Man

[StevenK11]

That triple seven is suppose to burn cleaner than black powder although I have never shot any of the stuff...further enhancements can be made by putting a patch on top of the powder which will keep you going longer.
We do have a (Hand loading metallic/black powder) forum here for some good ideas on this.
Good Shooting and Have Fun!

Great tip on using the patch.  I will try that.  The Triple 7 does clean up very easy.  Not being a black powder guy (yet), this has been my first adventure into something like it.   In the end, all I can say is it sure added a lot more fun to shooting my Vaquero.   And that's what it's all about, eh ?

[Catfish]

I was shooting Black Powder 40 years ago and can tell you that 777 is better, but Pyrodex is not in my oppenion. I shoot 777 in my inline but no longer have a hankering to shoot it in handguns. You do seem to draw a crowd at the range when you shoot black powder or a sub. though. 

[blhof]

You might check your local Walmart just before and during B/p season, to see if they carry 777, some do.  If they carry it wait til the last day of B/p and check their sale items.  They do not keep any of their seasonal items past it's season.  I've picked up percussion caps and b/p subs including 777 for half the usual price.

[Old Griz]

Does anyone know what GOEX Black Dawge Cartridges uses? I've got a box of .44 Special that have been sitting around here but I have not had a chance to fire them yet. Our county closed down our outdoor range a couple of years ago, and the indoor range does not allow any kind of black power cartridges.

[dachshund]

Tried some 45 Colt loads a while back, everything worked out fine, lots of smoke, great fun. Just used the data in the 777 brochure, which if memory serves was 30 grs. (by volume not weight) and a 250 gr bullet.

[StevenK11]

Tried some 45 Colt loads a while back, everything worked out fine, lots of smoke, great fun. Just used the data in the 777 brochure, which if memory serves was 30 grs. (by volume not weight) and a 250 gr bullet.

This 777 is alright stuff.   I had a bunch of Rainier plated bullets in 125 grain, so I shot them off with some 777.   Worked out great.   Still amazed at the clean-up.  For me, cleaning the Vaquero is much easier with 777 than with regular smokless.   Just using water on the patches, followed by a dry patch, and then finish up with some light gun oil.   Not denying that it doesn't get gumped up after a few rounds while at the range; but a quick wipe with a damp cloth and I'm chambering another six.

Next, I plan on loading up some 45-70 rounds with 777.   More smoke, more fun!   

[warrior1]

steven be careful shootin that 45/70 with 777 ,it can be very addictive. dan

[StevenK11]

steven be careful shootin that 45/70 with 777 ,it can be very addictive. dan

Dan, you just had to say that!          Off to my gun-pusher to get me one of those Buffalo Classics.   

[StevenK11]

steven be careful shootin that 45/70 with 777 ,it can be very addictive. dan

Addiction satisfied.   I bought an H&R 1871 Buffalo Classic today.     Now awaiting the 45-70 brass, die, and bullets to load up some 777 rounds. 

[44 Man]

As for clean up, my buddy shoots it in his original Colts.  He just removes the cylinder and grips, then pours very hot water over the whole thing, making sure he pours some down the barrel and through the cylinder.  The hot water heats the metal up enough that it drys quickly in the kitchen sink in mother's dish rack.  Then he just sprays it down, inside and out with WD-40.  (No, I don't want to get into a discussion about WD-40, it's just what he says he uses)  At the end of season, he dissasembles them completely and oils them down proper.  He says they are clean inside when he tears them down and has never had any corrosion or rust.  Sounds good to me.  44 Man

[StevenK11]

I enjoyed the 45-70 govt rounds with 777.   Couldn't get very good groups at 100 yards though; was using a card wad too.   I switched over to some Varget powder, and the groups tightened up to a 2-2.5 inches @100 yards (with peep/globe sights on the H&R 1871).   Probably getting off topic here; but it was fun nonetheless.