Using one powder

[RHensley]

I've used XX powder for many years In my 54's and XXX in the 45. At present I'm trying to eliminate and just use one of these. Would it be better to use the XX and adjust the load or the XXX and by how much. The advantage to the 3X I could use it also as a priming powder with little difference in ignition where the 2X might be a little slower. Has anyone any information on this. Thanks.

 

[Black Hand]

I've used XX powder for many years In my 54's and XXX in the 45. At present I'm trying to eliminate and just use one of these. Would it be better to use the XX and adjust the load or the XXX and by how much. The advantage to the 3X I could use it also as a priming powder with little difference in ignition where the 2X might be a little slower. Has anyone any information on this. Thanks.

The information I've seen suggests reducing your load by 10-15% if going from FFg to FFFg. That said, it would be best to work up a load with FFFg if you are switching (I shoot 75-80gr FFFg in my 54). I prefer FFFg because it seems to burn faster.

 

[Le Loup]

Personally I would suggest using ffg for main load & priming, I gave up using priming powder many years ago. 2fg works just fine.
Keith.

 

[Pukka Bundook]

Keith (Le Loup) above, took the words right out of my mouth!
Been using flintlock rifles between .44 and .58 for decades with just 2F Even use it in muskets.

 

[Flintandsteel]

Funny, I use FFFg in everything. .32 cal to 20ga.

 

[Pukka Bundook]

Flintandsteel/smallpatch,
Nothing 'funny ' about it, they both work but as muskets are a bit bigger, (11 or 10 gauge), the 2F does for me.
Just personal preference and all that.

 

[RHensley]

Thanks for the information. As soon as Weather breaks I'll start shooting again .

 

[Juice Jaws]

I am in one powder group. 3F for everything. From pistols to 50,54 rifles and even in my musket .66 cal. I find to works better in my flint locks. Just me

 

[azmntman]

I keep both on hand and use which ever is the more accurate in each rifle/pistol. Most do not care a few prefer one over the other

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I use 3Fg for my .54 and smaller, prime and main charge. 2Fg for 20 gauge and larger smoothies, both prime and main charge. I'm going to try 1Fg in my .75 musket for both to see if I observe any difference with it and the 2Fg.

LD

 

[Pukka Bundook]

Dave,

In a musket with that big old lock and lots of stored energy, I think you will find 1F works just fine.

 

[Rat]

Dave,

In a musket with that big old lock and lots of stored energy, I think you will find 1F works just fine.

I would agree, although I use ffg in some guns, and fffg in others, when it comes to my Bessie she really seems to prefer fg. The charge I use in the Bess is also on the heavy side, so I think the slower burning fg is better. I could live with either fg or ffg in anything except the very large caliber muskets.

 

[Grimord]

I use 3f in all but my .58 caliber gun. The .58 prefers 2f for best accuracy. In my last order of 25# of powder, I got 23# of 3f and 2# of 2f. Enough 2f to last me several hunting seasons.

 

[EC121]

One powder for both will work. The burn rate is the difference.
Larry Pletcher's timing tests proved that Swiss Null B priming powder is the fastest when timed. 4F is next. BUT-- he also said that you can't perceive(feel) the difference between them. I like to feel that I am doing all I can to beat my wobbles or catch a spark on a hang so I use Null B for priming. 2F and 3F for different calibers.

 

[Crow-Feather]

In my accuracy tests, I found that 3F is more accurate. My thought is that the higher initial pressure makes the patch tight to the ball. Just sayin.

 

[Onojutta]

Not a bad idea to check with your bbl manufacturer. For example I have a Rice .50 bbl and Rice says to only use FFg with it.

 

[S.Kenton]

I am in one powder group. 3F for everything. From pistols to 50,54 rifles and even in my musket .66 cal. I find to works better in my flint locks. Just me

Me too, Goex fff for everything. It's just easier to use one horn for everything and I can't tell the difference when priming from ffff and fff.

 

[hanshi]

I use 3F for most everything from .32 to .62. Yes I do occasionally use 2F but 3F is the mainstay. I also prime with 4F just cause I have plenty.

 

[snubnose57]

I use 3F for most everything from .32 to .62. Yes I do occasionally use 2F but 3F is the mainstay. I also prime with 4F just cause I have plenty.

I tried going the 3F route once. Bought a T/C Hawken. Really disappointed at my groups! tried 2F, and blew the center of the target away. My rifle made the decision for me.

 

[Tom Compton]

FFg for a main charge and 4F in the pan for EVERYTHING including.36 longrifle and .40 flint pistol. 10 Texas state championships, 4 National Territorials (not all w flintlock but all w FFg) says it works.