JGreen,
Pyrodex is harder to ignite. Some actually drop a couple of grains of black in 1st. It also has to be compressed more. Both burn hot, need to be cleaned up after shooting. The original Pyrodex formula did not produce enough smoke to make black powder shooters happy, so they had to change it.
What ever you decide, I would start with lighter loads than 3 drams. You will feel a real thump. But you may already know that. I would start with 2 1/2 drams and 1 oz. Work your way up to all out pheasant, duck loads. You will find a happy medium that fits your bill. Make sure you use a lubed wad, it makes clean up easier. Write the load on the shot card, so you know what you have done.
One of the big pluses of black powder... You can customize the load all you want. Just follow standard reloading safety precautions.
I purchased an 1881 Pieper Diana. When it gets back after the damascus is refinished, it will live on black powder hand loads just as my Lefever G does currently.
Pete
