For some reason it seems that I have 3 pounds of 4F powder that I have accumulated over the years. I have a ,45 caliber flintlock which I always use 3F for my main charge. I'm aware that 4F is indicated for a priming powder.
It will take me forever to go through 3 lbs of 4F if I use it only for priming.
Can 4F be used as a main charge powder? I have a digital scale and I was going to weigh out 70 grains of 3F and 4F to see what the volume difference would be. Thoughts?
Yes you certainly can use 4f for main charge loads. If you look around a bit you'll find a thread in the hunting section where
Britsmoothey used charges of 4f in a ,45 rifle to bag several bunnies.
Also it has been noted that in the dissassembly of period paper cartridges from the War of Northern Aggression era, that there were many that were loaded with very fine BP, finer than even 4f.
Personally I think people get too hung up on grain size, and do not consider performance in their particular firearm enough, nor the brand/quality of BP they use. In some brands a lower F grade may perform like a higher one in other brands, depending on raw materials and manufacturing techniques.
All BP is not created equal, and so all 4f or 2f or whatever is not created equal.
Using 4f is not going to push you into the danger zone like smokeless will and many use 4f in rifles and even shotguns with good success. As stated above, less fouling can be one of the advantages to smaller grained powder.
Because all BP is not created equal, the important factor is working up a load for your particular firearm, finding what it likes and finding a load that will do what you want it to in the most effective and efficient manner. Start on the low end of where you think you want to be, and work your way up. Having a chronograph can help, but acute observation is s reasonable substitute.
Part of the fun in muzzleloading is in the creation of a load for your particular gun, and the practice will also make you a better shooter