Duplex loads

[robert reed]

OK, I tried the search engine and came up empty. Has anyone tried duplex loads? Is there any advantage or trouble with them? I have about 9 pounds of 1FG. I would like to use it in my .58's. Relatively short barrels, 32 and 33. I know that lower pressures and more fouling will result but is there a way to boost velocity with 2F or 3F duplex loading? Any data out there? Thanks all.

 

[Zonie]

Just my opinion but 1Fg powder should ignite just about as easily as 2Fg powder does.

About the only thing adding a starting load under the 1Fg powder would do is to ignite a bit faster.

This might be a benefit in a flintlock but in a percussion style gun I doubt that any difference would be noticed.

 

[coloradoclyde]

The only problem with using 1F is that you might like it and have to buy more. :haha:

I shot some today in 12 gauge and it performed like a champ. :thumbsup:
No need to fiddle with duplexing.

 

[bpd303]

I used straight 1F in my .50 T/C Hawken and actually liked it better. Just upped the charge by 10gr and it was as accurate as the 2F. Haven't been able to find it in a while here.

 

[nkbj]

Was reading back through the 1856 "Reports of Experiments with Small Arms". Today I read where it said that they got less fowling with musket powder. Is it known for sure what granulation that would have been?

 

[bpd303]

Pretty sure it's close to FG..

By the late 19th century manufacturing focused on standard grades of black powder from Fg used in large bore rifles and shotguns, through FFg (medium and small-bore arms such as muskets and fusils), FFFg (small-bore rifles and pistols), and FFFFg (extreme small bore, short pistols and most commonly for priming flintlocks)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunpowder#Composition_and_characteristics