local source for black powder in north Alabama?

getting into flintlock shooting so I can take advantage of the special season at Wheeler and I'm rapidly burning through my meager supply of blackpowder. I have been using pyrodex for so long in inlines I didn't realize how hard it was to find the real stuff. I've checked everywhere I could think of in the Huntsville area, and trying to avoid having to buy online (most places make you order 4-5 # minimum, plus shipping, pluz hazmat, etc)

anyone seen any on the shelves anywhere close by? specifically looking for 2f and 4f

Good luck finding any black powder.

powdervalleyinc.com can order as little as you want or up to 50lbs for $10 shipping plus $20 hazmat fee. GOEX is about $15 a pound from them never seen any real black powder locally.

I believe after 9-11 most all sporting goods stores quit stocking black powder since it's classified as an explosive.

Jc in Huntsville had it but no longer carries it since changing names. last I bought was at bass pro, it’s cheaper to order online but you have to buy in bulk. If you. A. Get some guys to go in you can split it up though. I am still looking for a local source myself. I know there’s a small store off 840 in TN that carries it but that’s 1.5 dr from north Alabama.

Check Byfords or Mikes in Hartselle. I know they had Goex last year behind the counter. I get needing ffff for the pan. No requirement for "black powder". The substitutes worked better for me any way.

You don't have to use a finer powder in the pan. I use 3F for the load and in the pan in my .45.

X2

I've been using 3f in the pan currently (because it the finest I have) but would like to give myself all the advantage I can in ignition time. I did all the work to tune my lock, pan and flash hole for the fastest possible ignition, I'd like to think I'm using the best powder I can. I realize its not critical, but just something I'd like to try. the critical part is getting some more 2f, I'm down to about enough for 12 more shots. that'll be fine for hunting, but I was hoping to get in a little more practice too.

Thanks, I'll try giving them a call to see if they have BP. I tried pyrodex for the main charge, it did not work well in my rifle VERY long delay on ignition. I've heard of folks duplexing loads, but I'd rather not fool with that if i dont have to

I like 3f as my main charge as well, seems I get better ignition

I like to put finer powder in the pan and a little bit down the muzzle too, then put my other powder on top of it.

I have a friend who puts the same amount of 3f powder he puts in the pan down the barrel first then drops 2 pyrodex pellets down the barrel. He loads the flash pan with 3f and gets excellent fast ignition.

That’s a load!

Just be careful using duplex loads in the barrel....some people might get the idea that if FFF works, FFFF might work better. That my friends, is a way to blow up your rig.

Best way I've found to buy black powder is to get in with other black powder shooters and get a group order going.

Hey, the walmarks in Fayetteville was stocking reloading supplies. Have you looked up there?

Anybody up for splitting an order to graf and sons. I would like a pound or two of their 3F black powder. Willing to split an order in Birmingham area.
Graf & Sons 3F powder

I'd be in for 2 or 3 lbs. and then figure an Aldeer Express way to get it up here or drive down for a little meet & greet

I got a buddy from work what lives in Odenville.

I'm not really into black powder guns but will ask you guys that are- any of you ever tried making your own black powder? I've never heard of anyone personally doing this but wonder if ya'll have. I use to wonder about the right recipe to make it & know the ingredients that go into it- as you folks do I'm sure. I have a book that gives the breakdown of the amounts of each 3 components but never tried it. Any thoughts?

Prolly a little bit risky. Seeing as most black powder mills I seem to hear about blew up at one time or another. But like you said it’s just three attainable ingredients

Don’t get caught.

I made some years ago. Not that hard. It went bang in a flintlock. Why Hayzeus? Ain't no law against it is there? If there is where did you find it?

As far as I know it's legal to make your own black powder. Common sense would tell a fella to be beyond careful in both making & handling it. You have to handle it to load it in the gun, so just be as care ful in making it. It seems to me that anyone that can hanload their own ammo could certainly make black powder safely. Would add a little to the experience of shooting muzzleloaders if you also made your own powder.We use to have a 45 Cal. Muzzleloader- been many years since I've shot them. It was a lot of fun.

From the ATF website:
Is black powder subject to regulation under Federal explosives laws?

Black powder is an explosive material for purposes of Federal explosives laws and regulations. However, the law exempts from regulation commercially manufactured black powder in quantities not exceeding 50 pounds (as well as percussion caps, safety and pyrotechnic fuses, quills, quick and slow matches, and friction primers) intended to be used solely for sporting, recreational, or cultural purposes in antique firearms as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(16) or in antique devices exempted from the term "destructive device" in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(4). However, persons engaged in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in black powder in any quantity must have a Federal explosives license, and comply with recordkeeping, storage and conduct of business requirements. [18 U.S.C. 841(c), 841(d), 845(a)(5); 27 CFR 555.11: definitions of "explosives" and "explosive materials", 555.141(b)]

This seems about par for the course. The gov't feels the need to insert itself into the equation.

I'm good then..no way I'd make 50 lbs.

That ATF reg that's posted says that us individuals can't make any. Period.