4F and small caliber guns

[GomezMunoz1951]

I have a .22 pepperbox and a .31 caliber Remington Revolver. They are severely underpowered and was wondering if I used 4f in them would that be OK. Normally I use 3F but want a bit more power out of them. I saw a thread about 4F and Flintlocks and the consensus was to not use them as main loads and only in the pan. Since the smaller calibers do not hold large charges (7 - 12 grains for a .31) (4 Grains for a 22) would a small charge of 4F work and not be dangerous? According to the C&B North American Arms .22, it uses 4F for a charge.

 

[FishDFly]

And let the fight begin, again.

 

[Britsmoothy]

I have a .22 pepperbox and a .31 caliber Remington Revolver. They are severely underpowered and was wondering if I used 4f in them would that be OK. Normally I use 3F but want a bit more power out of them. I saw a thread about 4F and Flintlocks and the consensus was to not use them as main loads and only in the pan. Since the smaller calibers do not hold large charges (7 - 12 grains for a .31) (4 Grains for a 22) would a small charge of 4F work and not be dangerous? According to the C&B North American Arms .22, it uses 4F for a charge.

What do you think was loaded in the first 22lr rounds?

 

[Britsmoothy]

And let the fight begin, again.

We are OK yet, they are still busy looking for evidence that does not exist.
They'll be back all frustrated and spiteful like usual

 

[hawkeye2]

Yes, you can safely use 4f.

 

[hanshi]

In small caliber pistols/revolvers and even rifles I'd not hesitate using 4F.

 

[Grimord]

I use 4f in my .22 ML rifle (5-10 grains) with no issues.

 

[William Lincoln]

I use 4f in all pistols, adjusting charges accordingly. The fineness of
the powder affects burn rate. The barrel length dictates burn rate needed.
Under 8 inch barrels get 4f. Do not overcharge--use standard charges.
Once tried ,you will never use anything else. Everything else I use 3f BP.
Realize I am odd ball--but old habits with old men die with the men-
not before.

 

[deerstalkert]

i guess i'm a bastard child in the 4f vs 3f debate because i only burn my own self made powder.
i try to grade my powder by comparing granule size with goex.
that said i use 4f in my .32 southern mountain rifle and it really shines!
i'd not hesitate to use 4f in any pistol. just sneak up on the amount you feed them.

 

[TreeMan]

Perfectly safe but if that’s all you’re going to use the 4f for I’m not sure it’s worth the effort. With those tiny powder charges I don’t think you’ll notice much of a difference in velocity. If you have some on hand then go for it. If you have to buy 4f + hazmat I’d just stick with the 3F.

 

[GomezMunoz1951]

Thanks for the responses... I have been wondering. I was at a gun store and the only thing they had was 4F so I bought a can. Had it setting around and figured I would try it but wasn't sure. Don't want to blow up my guns.

 

[sheriff john]

Whether you use 4F, 3F, or 2F, the only "bad" result will be more "disappointing" than "devastating" with the small capacities. I load by volume, not weight tho' others do differently. Substitutes are not my thing. Not well-versed on them.