Powder question

[CAV Trooper]

Hi all,

In the quantity I need (5lbs), it's cheaper for me to get BP locally than on line. I normally use GOEX but the only place that sells it is completely out of stock and the only other store that has BP carries Elephant.

In a thread on the "TRADITIONAL Muzzle Loading Rifles & Shotguns" forum, some guys were saying that Elephant BP sucks.

Do any of you guys have experience with it and if so, what were your results?

[Will Bison]

I've shot up at least two cases of the Elephant and find it 6 to 8 percent slower across the clock compared to GOEX. It also seems to produce a bit more fouling but nothing I can't live with. I shoot with two local clubs and it is used by many of the top shooters.

Elephant may not be on par with GOEX or the even more expensive Swiss but in my opinion it gets the Bad Rap more than it should.

For cannon shooting the cost is hard to beat.

[CAV Trooper]

Will,

Thanks for the reply. I'm not at all worried about projectile speed and fouling since I'm only going to be firing blank shots.

I'm a cast member at the South Florida Renaissance Festival and play King Henry's cannoneer (aka "The Cannon Guy"). My job is to fire the cannon for opening, closing and any other time the need arises. During the 26 days the Faire runs, I figure that between the howitzer, handgonne and various other BP weapons, I'll probably burn through at least 4 pounds of powder. Cool job huh?   :-D

Never having used Elephant BP, I just wanted to be sure I was going to get a good boom every time I touch off the cannon.