FFG or FFFG in 50 cal ???

[BE Wild Willy]

Still being a novice at muzzle-loading, let alone "traditional", I have seen many references to using FFFG in lieu of FFG in a 50 cal long gun. Please share your knowledge on the advantages and disadvantages of each.

 

[mykeal]

In .50 cal, either will work.

For calibers larger than .50, ffg is usually preferred, with the preference being stronger the larger the caliber of the gun.

For calibers smaller than .50, fffg is usually preferred, with the preference being stronger the smaller the caliber.

ffg burns slightly slower than fffg and has a slightly lower peak pressure. However, equivalent amounts of ffg and fffg will release very nearly the same amounts of energy in total.

ffg is preferred for the larger calibers because the slower rise time is needed to allow the usually heavier projectile time to accelerate.

 

[Pops]

My Pedersoli flint .50 prefers 3f...
2f works ok, but 3f has faster and more reliable ignition..
Plus the accuracy is better with 3f.
Try both ....see which your rifle prefers...

 

[BE Wild Willy]

Accuracy is my first and foremost priority when I shoot. Additional cleaning doesn't bother me, I just like seeing small groups on the target or hitting a distant object and watching it fly. So far all I've shot through my T/C PA hunter is some Pyrodex Select that I already had. Going to purchase some BP as soon as able, may only be able to acquire Goex FFG, depending on what the local shop has on the shelf. Have heard good things about Swiss powder but not sure of availability or if it's within my budget.

 

[Ifishsum]

You can use either - my T/C Hawken will shoot PRBs cleaner and more accurately with FFF. With heavier conicals and heavier charges I think FF is a better choice, both for safety and probably accuracy.

 

[mykeal]

What is the safety issue with ffg over fffg with heavier projectiles and charges?

 

[arcticap]

FFFg or P powder often burns cleaner and more completely. The amount of fffg/p can be adjusted slightly downward ~10% for best accuracy and less pressure if that's a concern.
Some folks load an over powder wad with both conicals & patched balls to act as a gas check and to promote more consistent velocity.
Only experimenting will show which powder & loading method works better in your gun.

 

[[email protected]]

You shoot what produces the smallest group. I have a 45 that will shoot one
hole groups at 50 yds with FF only. Won't shoot FFF.

 

[wittzo]

In the CW, they used FF and FFF in both revolvers and rifles/muskets. When they were in the transition stage between flintlocks and caplocks, they used more FFF because that's what they used in the flintlocks. The paper cartridges held 110 grains of FFF, about ten grains fit in the pan and the rest was poured in the bore. Later they went to 100 grains of FF in most cases. The Walkers and Dragoons shoot nicer with FF; it gives them smoother recoil, but they used the same powder for their rifles and pistols for logistics reasons.

 

[GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL]

I have alway's been taught and have read many times that either will give highly satisfactory results with all things being equal, BUT that 2ff was usually relegated to anything over .45 caliber. (don't shoot .50's or .54's or anything of that nature so I stress that is just what I have alway's been taught)....PS. I do remember that several years ago I shot 4 shots of 2ff..I believe it was Pyrodex, can't even remember for sure..in a .45 caliber rifle and it wasn't worth a s*** to tell the truth. I hurried up and went back to my Triple Seven 3fff and it didn't take me long either....

 

[Skinny 1950]

I just bought some Jim Shockey's .Yukon Gold FFFG at $32.64 for a pound (Canadian) is it going to be FFFFG buy the time I get to the bottom of the container. Does the fine dust settle out at the bottom?

 

[GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL]

PS AGAIN. One time up in the really rough country I bought a .50 caliber Remington 700 series. I got it in .50 because I needed a rifle real bad and .50 was all he carried. I did use 2ff in it and it worked just fine....

 

[arcticap]

IIRC, when author Sam Fadala and Navy Arms founder Val Forgett went on a black powder safari in Africa, they shot many game animals including elephants with their big bore muzzle loaders and only loaded with fffg black powder.
Whether the extra power was needed or not, that's what they used.
It's a more versatile powder.
That doesn't mean that it's the best for every application, but it does work for every application and it does have some advantages & benefits.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I did an unscientific survey back in '94, and None of the major manufacturers agreed on the transition caliber for 3Fg to 2Fg. They ranged from .45 caliber to .54 caliber as the largest caliber to use 3Fg. The manufacturers were CVA, T/C, Dixie, and Navy Arms.

I use 3Fg in my .54 Flinter exlusively.

LD