Nubie question .. Blackpowder licensing ..

[Doz]

Not as smokey, no and theoretically not as corrosive. However, I was given a repro Colt revolver that was used once with Pyrodex and left uncleaned that says otherwise! If I remember correctly black powder residue itself is not corrosive, it just absorbs moisture which is what causes the damage. Personally I prefer proper black powder and think it's worth the minimal additional hassle.

[dromia]

Doz is correct, BP is not corrosive. The residue left behind after firing is hygroscopic and as such attracts moisture which lying next to the metal produces rusting. All the BP substitutes I have tried do the same and I have found Pyrodex to be the worst offender. If you find the characteristics of black powder like fouling, smoke and smell a problem then just stick to smokeless powder firearms. If you don't want to use them in the spirit for which they were made then leave them for those that do.