Black Powder

Your Premier Source for Authentic Black Powder

Step into the rich tradition of shooting sports with Reloading Supplies Store, your trusted online destination for certified and reliable black powder. As true enthusiasts of historical and muzzleloading firearms, we understand that your black powder for sale needs are specific. We offer direct access to top-tier brands like Goex, Schuetzen, and Swiss, ensuring you receive the authentic, consistent performance required for a safe and satisfying shooting experience. Whether you're shooting a classic black powder rifle, a revolver, or a cannon, having the correct granulation and type is paramount.

Understanding Black Powder: The Original Propellant

Unlike modern smokeless powder, black powder is a mechanical mixture of potassium nitrate (saltpeter), charcoal, and sulfur. It is classified as an explosive and is regulated differently than smokeless propellants, which is why sourcing it from a knowledgeable and compliant retailer is crucial. Its distinct characteristics—the impressive cloud of white smoke, the resonant boom, and the tangible link to history—are what make muzzleloading so unique. When you buy black powder online, you are not just purchasing a propellant; you are buying an authentic piece of shooting heritage.

Black Powder vs. Smokeless Powder: A Critical Distinction

It cannot be overstated: black powder and smokeless powder are not interchangeable. Using smokeless powder in a firearm designed for black powder is extremely dangerous and can cause catastrophic failure. Firearms must be specifically designed and rated to handle the specific pressures generated by each type of propellant. Always consult your firearm's manufacturer guidelines. Our category is strictly for authentic black powder and should only be used in firearms clearly designed for it.

Choosing the Right Black Powder Granulation (Fg, FFg, FFFg, FFFFg)

The granulation, or grind size, of the powder is indicated by the "F" rating. This is one of the most important factors in achieving optimal performance and safety in your muzzleloader supplies.

• FFFFg (4Fg) - Priming Powder: This is the finest granulation. Its primary use is for the flash pans of flintlock rifles, where a fast, hot ignition is needed. It is generally not recommended as a main charge due to the high pressures it can generate.
• FFFg (3Fg) - Pistol & Small Bore Rifle Powder: A versatile, fast-burning powder ideal for black powder pistols and revolvers like the 1851 Navy or 1860 Army. It is also excellent for smaller bore rifles (e.g., .45 caliber and under) where it provides high velocity and efficient combustion.
• FFg (2Fg) - Rifle & Shotgun Powder: This is the most common and versatile granulation for muzzleloading rifles of .50 caliber and larger, as well as black powder shotguns. It offers a great balance of power and burn rate, making it a superb choice for hunting and target shooting.
• Fg (1Fg) - Cannon & Large Bore Rifle Powder: The coarsest granulation, Fg is typically reserved for very large bore rifles and artillery. It burns slower and is suited for the massive projectiles and large internal volumes of these big guns.

A Guide to Top Black Powder Brands

We carefully select our partners to ensure we offer only the most reliable and historically accurate brands for our customers.

Goex Black Powder: The American Standard

For generations, Goex black powder has been the cornerstone of the muzzleloading community in the United States. Known for its consistent quality and reliable performance, Goex is the go-to choice for many shooters. It is available in all standard granulations, making it easy to find the right black powder for muzzleloader use, whether for target practice or hunting.

Schuetzen Black Powder: A European Powerhouse

Schuetzen powder offers a fantastic alternative, providing excellent quality and performance that rivals the best in the world. It is a favorite among competitive shooters and those who appreciate its clean-burning characteristics and historical consistency. Many consider Schuetzen black powder to be a premium product that delivers exceptional results in both cartridge and muzzleloading applications.

Swiss Black Powder: The Pinnacle of Performance

Regarded as the premium choice for black powder cartridge rifle competitors and discerning enthusiasts, Swiss black powder is renowned for its superior density and potency. This means you can often use a slightly lower volume charge to achieve the same velocity as other brands, resulting in greater efficiency and less fouling. For the shooter seeking the absolute best in consistency and power for long-range black powder cartridge shooting, Swiss is the undeniable leader.

Essential Black Powder Shooting Supplies

To have a complete and safe shooting experience, you'll need more than just powder. We are your one-stop shop for all black powder shooting supplies.

• Black Powder Substitutes: While we specialize in authentic black powder, we also carry reputable substitutes like Pyrodex and Triple Seven for those in areas with purchasing restrictions. It is critical to remember that even these substitutes are not smokeless powders and require the same precautions as real black powder. Load data for substitutes differs from real black powder, so always consult a current manual.
• Percussion Caps & Flint: Ignition is key. We stock a full range of #10 percussion caps and #11 percussion caps for caplock rifles and pistols, as well as high-quality gun flints for our flintlock shooters. Proper cap fit is essential for reliable ignition.
• Projectiles: Round Balls, Conical Bullets, and Sabots: The choice of projectile is vast. Traditionalists often prefer pure lead round balls with a lubed patch. For hunting, modern black powder bullets like full-diameter conical bullets (e.g., Maxi-Balls) or saboted pistol bullets offer enhanced ballistic performance. We carry a wide variety to suit your needs.
• Wads, Patches, and Lubrication: These components are vital for safety and accuracy. Lubricated patches create a gas seal and reduce fouling when shooting round balls. Over-powder wads and lube cards are used in shotguns and revolvers to seal the chamber and lubricate the bore.
• Loading Tools & Accessories: From powder measures and flasks to nipple wrenches and cappers, having the right black powder accessories makes the loading process safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable.

Safe Handling and Storage of Black Powder

Safety is the number one priority when dealing with any propellant, especially black powder.

• Storage: Store your black powder in its original container in a cool, dry place. For larger quantities, a dedicated black powder magazine or storage box is recommended.
• Handling: Always keep black powder away from open flames, sparks, and excessive heat. Avoid spilling powder and never smoke while handling it.
• Loading: When loading your muzzleloader, do so from a separate measuring device like a powder flask or measure, never directly from the main container. This prevents a stray spark from igniting your entire supply.

Finding Black Powder for Sale Near You

Many shooters search for "black powder for sale near me" only to find limited local options. As a specialized online black powder store, we bridge that gap, providing direct access to a full range of products that may be difficult to find locally. We handle the complexities of hazardous shipping with certified carriers, getting your order to your door safely and legally.

Why Choose Reloading Supplies Store for Your Black Powder Needs?

When you decide to purchase black powder, you deserve a supplier that understands the product and the community.

• Authentic Products: We sell only certified, brand-name black powder. There are no imitations or unknowns.
• Expert Knowledge: Our content and customer service are informed by a genuine understanding of muzzleloading and historical firearms.
• Hazardous Shipping Compliance: We are equipped to ship black powder safely and in full compliance with all regulations, a service many general retailers cannot provide.
• Complete System Approach: We offer all the black powder shooting supplies you need, from powder and caps to bullets and accessories, making us your true partner in the sport.

Explore Our Black Powder Collection Today

Ready to load up? Browse our complete inventory of black powder in stock for sale, substitutes, and all the necessary accessories. From the classic Goex FFg for your .50 caliber Hawken to Schuetzen FFFg for your Colt Walker, we have the supplies to keep you shooting. Place your black powder order with confidence at Reloading Supplies Store, where history and performance meet.