Triple Seven FFFG for a .54 Hawken?

[Mattole]

I asked a sporting goods salesman for the Triple Seven powder I would need for my .54 Hawken and noticed tonight after getting home that it is the FFFG granulation rather than the FFG. From what I have read, I need FFG for the .54 caliber. Is this a hard fact, and should I return this FFFG powder?

On another note, aside from easier and less smelly clean-up, is there any real advantage to the Triple Seven FFG over the Goex FFG?

Many thanks.

 

[Chawbaccer]

Another advantage of the triple seven is that it can be easier to get in parts of the country over goex.
The rule of thumb is to use 2f for 50 or larger caliber. Probably no big deal in using 3f in your 54, just use a little less for the same effect.

 

[mb3]

I have heard of shooters using FFFG black powder in their 50 cal muzzleloaders and getting good results. One major consideration is the smaller size of the particles FFFG vs. FFG. Load lighter than you would for FFG. I am not sure how much lighter but certainly 20% to 25% might not be out of the question. I am shooting 777 FFG out of my Civil War repro 58 cal and I have had some ignition problems. I have considered using FFFG 777 because of the smaller particles, in hope more 777 would migrate into the touchhole.

 

[GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL]

I use Triple Seven 3fff in my .45 calibers and have experienced no problems. Of course they are inlines and use 209's so that might make a difference....

 

[sltm1]

The guidelines I was taught are, if you use fff instead of ff in your rifle, use a 15% smaller charge. Also I've been told, with Triple Seven, (I use Goex), go another 15% less than bp. Personally, I've never used 777.

 

[Ifishsum]

For shooting PRB loads at reasonable velocities I would say you're okay with the FFF (adhering to the usual caveats for using 777 powder) but I would not use it for shooting heavier hunting loads with conical/minie type bullets. For those you are safer with the FF granulation (slower burn, slower push and lower peak pressures).

 

[Mattole]

Looks like I need to return the 777 FFFG and get the FFG - or I will just use the Goex FFG that I have on hand already. Thanks for the advice, everyone!

 

[dobie]

No one stocks the ffg goex in my here in johnson city tn becasue insurance. Sure wish they did!

 

[madcratebuilder]

You can use the 3f T7 in your .54. It well have a faster burn rate over the 2f and a slight increase in pressure. 2f would probably be more consistent in the .54. If you can return it go for it. Some shops well not take returns on powders and primers.