So I have a question.  I only have one black powder cartridge rifle.  I will be shooting in a match that has both smokeless and black powder categories.  In order to compete in both categories I would have to clean the rifle before switching.  How would you do the cleaning and which powder would you shoot first and why?  Would lubing my smokeless bullets with black powder lube help?  Rifle is a C. Sharps 1874 in 38-55.

But, to play devil's advocate, if a guy has but one rifle the specter of sitting idle and twiddling his thumbs 50% of the time isn't very appealing either. I see where he's coming from. I don't think it would matter a heckuva lot which one he shot first, there's usually enough time in between to give it a decent cleaning. Afterward give it a couple fouling shots and away to the races he goes.

I would lean toward different lubes though. Say, SPG for the BP event and Javelina Schuetzen for the smokeless. Just an example, and what I would do.

Let me add a little more info.  This match is a side match at a SASS competition.  The targets are 200 yards.  I have not got to breech seating yet so will be using cartridges with the bullet loaded in the case.  I don't know that I will shoot both categories, I was just curious if I could do it and what would be involved in switching between the two and how experienced competitors would do it.

First, I am not a competitor but shoot lots of bpcr at the local range.  I shoot mostly 40 caliber but also have a 38-56 and a 50-70.  I am going to assume that you are pre-loading at home.  Now in my experience, SPG works great for both smokeless and black powder loads at the velocities that we are shooting these rifles.  Now a better shot then me and somebody who can test to see which is more accurate might say otherwise, but for a rookie I would think SPG Tropic is the way to go until you get more familiar to the game.  I also think it is easier to clean a rifle shot with black as a few patches wet with Windex with ammonia and water will clean the bore in a hurry.  A few dry patches and you would be set to shoot a fouler and go at it again.  Cleaning a rifle shot with smokeless takes more time by far in my opinion as it helps to let the solvent set in the bore for a few minutes to get the fouling loose and will have to be repeated several times.  I also cheat and shoot duplex loads which probably might not be allowed in a match but sure keeps the bore clean for a string of 10 shots!  Have fun!  Tom

Situation like yours I would use one match as practice.  Compete try to do well but use bullets optional for the primary match. If BP is your regular load, Smokeless match use cartridges with BP bullets loaded to your normal BP velocity . Smokeless match first, wipe clean is fast then switch to Black. My Douglas barrels only need a few passes to clean, no leading 

I used to do this with my 38/55. Black powder bullet propelled with 4759 smokeless to BP velocity=same sight settings, significant advantage 2nd match. Have figured out settings and conditions 

Then use BP for the BP match. In practice  as long as I managed fowling when using black no real difference in performance. Fired at modest  velocity bullet, temper, size and lube is the same either powder.

Boats

I shoot SASS and they have blackpowder and smokeless powder classes for the main category's.  Most clubs have blackpowder and smokeless powder side matches.  SASS does not allow duplex loads so that is out.  I like the idea of having both loads shooting to the same point of impact.  SASS side matches are
a timed event.  Who ever can hit the target the fastest is the winner.  Some are 5 shot some are 10 shot.  SASS and ASSRA have their own flavor and I enjoy both.  Problem is I can shoot SASS every weekend with 2 hour drive.  Would have to drive all day to a ASSRA match.

[quote author=775A5A52545B04350 link=1645713976/4#4 date=1645718061]Let me add a little more info.  This match is a side match at a SASS competition.  



Read the SASS long range rules.  There is no such thing as a "Smokeless" category.  The rules say any propellant, which also includes black powder.  While the rules prohibit smokeless in a black powder category, the rules do NOT prohibit black powder in all other long-range categories.

I have had to point this fact out several match directors.  Its a lot of fun to smoke out the smokeless crowd and take 1st place with that dirty sinky black powder.

Bullseye tom,
I suggest you use Windex with Vinegar rather than ammonia

The Windex/Vinegar will do  a good job of dissolving the Salt like products of BP combustion.
It is also more pleasant to the nose.
beltfed/arnie.