3 FG in a Rifle

[wmgeorge]

Thinking about getting a flintlock rifle in 50 Cal to match my pistol. What if I use 3F instead of 2F?

Looking to purchase either a Lyman or Traditions.

 

[Flintshooter]

Shouldn’t be a problem.
Used to be the rule of thumb was 3f in .45 and under, 2f in .50 and over. Now days a lot of shooters use 3f at least as high as .62.
A lot of rifled musket shooters advise reduced loads of 3f for .58 Minie balls

 

[dave951]

I shoot in North South Skirmish Association competition and yes, we often use 3f in muskets. My load for a 42 Macon smoothbore 69cal is 65gr 3f. My load for my Parker Hale is 42gr of 3f Old Eynsford with a RCBS Hogdon minie and it's a 2moa gun.

So yes, 3f is fine. I'd avoid substitutes in a flinter because of ignition and accuracy issues.

 

[wmgeorge]

Yes I just purchased two pounds of 3F and did not want to do that all over again. Thanks guys for posting back.

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

I have used 3f in all of my frontloaders for years, from 36 cal up to a .62 cal trade gun with no problems. Have also used 2f in my revolvers with no problems. They all go bang with no noticed loss of accuracy or reliability.

 

[Patocazador]

3F has smaller granules (duh) and ignites faster plus it shortens the burning time of the black powder. I find that it works well in all my guns from .54 down. I use F and 2F in my shotguns. If you have a very accurate load using 2F, drop the charge by 5 grains with 3F and it should be very close to your 2F charge.

If I could only get one type of black powder, it would be 3F.

 

[Armored farmer]

3F has smaller granules (duh) and ignites faster plus it shortens the burning time of the black powder. I find that it works well in all my guns from .54 down. I use F and 2F in my shotguns. If you have a very accurate load using 2F, drop the charge by 5 grains with 3F and it should be very close to your 2F charge.

If I could only get one type of black powder, it would be 3F.

My thoughts as well^^^^^^^

 

[noelf2]

For me, 3f is like Frank's Red Hot Sauce. "I put that **** on everything"

 

[wmgeorge]

Now if I could just find a nice flintlock rifle, like a Lymans Trade Rifle in .50 Cal, I would be happy. Darn you guys....

 

[Flintshooter]

Now if I could just find a nice flintlock rifle, like a Lymans Trade Rifle in .50 Cal, I would be happy. Darn you guys....

Get a Kibler southern mountain kit and you can have a FINE flintlock rifle.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

I use 3f from 45 up to 62, cap and flint, and it works fine. Even use it to prime the pan on the flinters.

 

[grter]

I am a fan of 2f for rifles.

 

[PapaG]

For years I shot 3f in musket, my .45 rifle and.......my Friendship Special shotgun.

 

[wmgeorge]

Get a Kibler southern mountain kit and you can have a FINE flintlock rifle.

When your 76 you try not to take on any long drawn out projects.....
I will be happy with a Lyman or Traditions and thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Flintshooter]

When your 76 you try not to take on any long drawn out projects.....
I will be happy with a Lyman or Traditions and thanks for the suggestion.

I hear ya. I’m only nine years behind.
Since 1974 I have owned more flintlock long guns than I remember. All were hand built and a few were way above average. At present I have a few that are worth more in dollar than the Kibler, but it still amazes me every time I look at it. No fancy wood, no carving, no inlays or patchbox. Just incredibly gracefull lines and style.

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

I like the look of a well made hand made rifle as well, if you've seen one production gun you've seen em all. It's kinda like looking at an AR 15, they all look the same to me.

 

[BullRunBear]

I use 3F for everything 50 caliber and smaller. I use 2F in a 62 caliber smoothbore and in a 12 gauge SxS. I tried 1F in the 12 gauge but got better patterns with the 2F. Since none of this is written in stone, I try different size powders in new-to-me guns. So far 3F covers most of my needs which simplifies buying. Recently, I was given three pounds of 4F so my flintlock priming needs are covered for life.

Jeff

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

I have been using Black MZ in all my cap guns, it's a 2f granulation. Don't think it makes much difference once its squished down with a ramrod.

 

[JeffG]

Thinking about getting a flintlock rifle in 50 Cal to match my pistol. What if I use 3F instead of 2F?

Looking to purchase either a Lyman or Traditions.

I only use 3F in my .45, .50, .54 flintlock long guns. in the pan and in the bore. I find it burns cleaner.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

Thinking about getting a flintlock rifle in 50 Cal to match my pistol. What if I use 3F instead of 2F?

Looking to purchase either a Lyman or Traditions.

I'm no BP expert, and it has been a long time, but triple f was all I shot in my .577 cal 1853 Enfield rifled musket. Accurate enough (sort of) at 100 yards. Only ever shot paper with it. Mostly used it for Civil War re-enacting. (Apparently, 3F is similar to period correct BP, or so I'm told.)

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Depending on the rifle that I'm using..., the .40 uses 30 grains 3Fg, the . 54's get between 70-80 grains of 3Fg. They are all flintlocks and they all get 3Fg as the priming powder too. All use patched, round ball.

LD

 

[Catman42]

yes