Whos tried smokeless powder in a Companion?

[EDELWEISS]

I know I know I know--but I also know that the original adds said they could shoot smokeless. Rumors are that the gummit boyz in WV said if NAA didn't drop that from the adds theyd reclassify the guns as modern firearms (Im calling BS on that BTW).

Theres at least one online video where a guy shoots smokeless in his magnum Companion.  I have to admit Im temped, not for more power (that's always nice), instead for the ability to leave it loaded longer.

Id be interested in your thoughts???

[MR_22]

They use the same steel and same size cylinders as for normal NAA's, right?

I don't know the answer, but I can't imagine that the Companions CAN'T handle it. I never heard that they originally advertised that you could use smokeless powder. Interesting question.

[cfsharry]

I've hunted and killed game with black powder firearms.  For a while I had a small black powder firearm and accouterments business.
That does not make me an expert but I would never load smokeless powder into a black powder firearm nor would I reccomend other to do it.

[OLD and GRUMPY]

Way Back in time(before NAA?) the oldest ones came with load data for ONE type of smokeless . Don't do it. The cylinder is strong but unlike the cartridge types the pin takes all the tork of the recoil and can be sprung if too heavy. Smokeless will void your warranty I think. Same reason not to use 777. The maker,Hodgden, says to cut it 15% by volume in revolvers.It is hotter than black. I know 777 is not talked about in the papers that come with mini but when I got mine I called NAA and they said not to use it. Each chamber in the Companion is necked down to restrict how much powder you can put in. Some have said this is proof they were made for smokeless. We all do stuff just because we can. If you can't find good load data don't try it.

About YouTube gun videos-- First thing to do is count the fingers on the host!

[doc_stadig]

I know I know I know--but I also know that the original adds said they could shoot smokeless. Rumors are that the gummit boyz in WV said if NAA didn't drop that from the adds theyd reclassify the guns as modern firearms (Im calling BS on that BTW).

Theres at least one online video where a guy shoots smokeless in his magnum Companion.  I have to admit Im temped, not for more power (that's always nice), instead for the ability to leave it loaded longer.

Id be interested in your thoughts???

There was a thread on the old forum, I think, where I saw a picture of a cylinder that had been blown out the side by doing that with a Magnum, as I recall, he also took out part of his finger.
Just because it can be done and got away with, don't mean it should be done.
I've tried it once with one of my mini's, a long rifle version with Bullseye, and lived to tell the tale, but, once was all it took.
Comparisons with the cartridge models fail to take into account the ability of the brass casing, being softer, and absorbing the blast from the powder.
I, personally, recommend that you don't use smokeless, but, as the old saying goes, it's your thing, do what you gotta do.
If you can find true 4F blackpowder, I think you will find the results are worth it.


Doc

[Uncle_Lee]

I do not recommend (for legal reasons) but have used Bullseye smokeless powder in a Freedom Arms black powder mini.

In the owner's manual for the Freedom Arms 22 LR Black Powder Mini Revolver, for powder charge it is listed:

"Powder Charge
Use 2 grains black powder or Pyrodex. If black powder is unobtainable or difficult to find, 1 grain of Hercules Bullseye Pistol Powder can be used with excellent results. This load should fill the chamber up to the counter bore, leaving room for the bullet to seat against the counter bore."


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