Hi Muir Somehow i thought it would be you that replied
the rifle is a CF rolling block 1871 sporterised from a Swedish military rifle
Drag
I have not had much luck with any of the BP substitutes in BP cartridges, haven't tried them in all possibilitites but have done so in: 45-70, 45-90, 45-100, 45-110, 50-70, and 50-90...
SS
I would get either Hodgdon's Pyrodex RS or Trail Boss. I keep thinking I need another of these. An dealer buddy of mine has them and they are pretty reasonable. What brass are you using?~Muir