4F vis-a-vie 3F BP for Revolver

[Oyeboten]

I know it is common sense and common practice to use 3F BP in Cap and Ball Revolvers, and in Black Powder Metallic Cartridge Hand Gun contexts.

Some people have said they have had good luck using 2F in the larger Calibers, such as the .44s.


I am wondering, what would the actual result be, if one were to use a full charge by volume, of 4F, in a mid size Caliber, such as a .36? Or, for loading .38 Special Metallic Cartridge?


Would it make too much pressure for the Cylinder? Would it give higher FPS than 3F? Would it be alright to do? would it be dangerous to the Arm?

 

[Hellgate]

Get the first edition of the Lyman Blackpowder Handbook (1975) and it gives loads using 4Fg in the C&Bs. There is not much difference in pressure or velocity between 3F & 4F GOEX. For example in the 36 cal '51 Navy with the 81gr .375 ball:
FFFg 14gr=752fps @6900 LUP pressure for 102 ft/lbs energy
FFFg 26gr=1079fps @ 8600 LUP pressure for 209 ft/lbs energy
FFFFg 14grs=884fps @6900 LUP pressure for 140 ft/lbs energy
FFFFg 26grs=1033fps @8820 LUP pressure for 192 ft/lbs energy

LUP= Lead Units of Pressure Copper units of pressure (CUP was inadequate to measure the lower BP breech pressures)

Note that for the lighter charges 4F is better, for the heavier charges it loses steam compared to 3F. Go figure.

 

[Oyeboten]

Thanks Hellgate...much obliged.

 

[madcratebuilder]

That is interesting that the larger charge of 4f is not as high as the same charge in 3f. Good post, thanks.