First off. The comments on standard powder measures is correct.
Secondly, to stop spillage into the pan I plug the vent with a prick. Usually once some loading compression is applied the charge usually holds shape.
I have gone over this several times now and I hear the same old same old. I have repeatedly asked for controlled test results of gun failures from using 4f.
To this day none have come forward!
When I joined this board some condemned me for using 3f in shotguns but now that has changed! I was told it's dangerous and I should not encourage it, I was being reckless blah blah blah.
To this day I have not seen a can of 4f with any restrictions for its use.
There is historical evidence for its use.
Just this past weekend I visited 1f in my Bess and it is so inefficient I have to tip so much of the stuff in the gun it breaks all the standard rules of not adding more powder volume wise than shot.
With 4f I can go the other way. I can use 3/4 volume loads of powder and get good patterns with killing velocity.
For some bazar reason some think black powder will exceed what a barrel can take when loaded properly by using 4f.
It won't.
As long as the load moves off in unit with the charge the barrel will keep its integrity. Another aspect is the status of the loaded charge. It is compressed somewhat in battery, more so against the payload once combustion starts and being fine it compacts more than a course powder. Under huge compression forces it becomes a near solid fuel with a natural action of retarding the flame front.
People note it is cleaner burning fouling wise. It is and easy to understand.
When the progressing charge and payload has traveled the barrel some and volume has increased now the powder can consume itself faster and burn hotter and cleaner. It's still safe as everything is now moving.
Now the course fuels do the same but can not produce the same heat once all is moving thus resulting in a lot more crud.
4f is still slower than nitro and yields less pressure, oh and forget burning nitro and black side by side in the open air, it's not a fair comparison as they are not doing any work. Their true nature is apparent via work or payload moving abilities.
I have been using 4f for several years now with common sense (remember that? It use to be quite popular at one time), by starting with low end charges and listening to the gun or rifle. The firearm will tell you in good time if it is not happy.
Some will mock and that is fine but until that day comes whereupon evidence, real solid scientific evidence is presented that proves going from 3f to 4f turns a firearm into a pipe bomb I will continue using it. In fact if I went a store and they only had 1f or 4f I'll take the 4f!
B.
