ffg vs fffg - The basics I know, but I need more...

[dgray64]

I'm new to BP shooting and started with Goex FFg for my rifle and FFFg for my C&B revolvers, then I tried some Pyrodex FFFg in the revolvers and like it. Finally, I've used the pellets, both Pyrodex and 777 in my .50 cal rifle. Lots more fun than Goex due to cleanup both while shooting and afterward.

Now the question. I see some threads where people are using FFFg in long guns. Is this a good idea? Is it safe? Is it more powerful? Whats the deal. I want to shoot right and have fun as well. Love those front loading guns...just hate buttering up the balls on my revolvers.

Dave

 

[ED21]

All of my experience is with GOEX so my comments are in line with that. Years ago when I used to shoot 50+ pounds of powder each year we had an unwritten rule of thumb. We would use FFFg for rifles up to or equal to .50. Also used FFFg with handguns. We would use FFG for rifles equal to or larger than .50 also with shotguns. Once in a while we would use FFFg in the larger rifles or shotguns but would reduce the volume by about 10 to 15 percent. I'm not saying this is all correct but I am still here and a lot of my friends are still around by following these guidelines. I'm sure the same would work with the new fangled artificial BP too.

 

[wolfe28]

It works for me.

I have never put anything but fffg in my .50 TC New Englander, and with a linen patched round ball and 70 grains, it will shoot a 1 hole group at 25 yards. Best $50.00 rifle I have ever purchased.
Okay, enough foolishness. When I got my front stuffer, I asked the same questions, because I had always heard that ffg was for rifles, fffg for revolvers, and ffffg was for the priming pan. In talking to many folks at re-enactments, the range, other forums, etc., I would have to agree with ED. Fffg is fine for a rifle, just make sure to start off with the low end of the recommended charge volume, and work up very slowly. I think my New Englander called for 50 to 90 grains of ffg with a round ball, and I get great results with 70 grains of fffg.
Good luck and be careful.
D

 

[Plink]

I use 3F in all of my rifles up to .54. It's a little faster burning than 2F, so it's wise to back off your load about 10%. It burns cleaner and doesn't foul the bore so quickly. It also seems to burn more consistently. I get better groups when I use it. I even use it to prime my flintlock, rather than buying 4F just for priming. It's really handy to be able to use 1 kind of powder for pistols, rifles and flintlocks.

 

[Mark whiz]

I've found that 3fg 777 works a bit better (more accurate) in my in-line rifle when using heavier saboted bullets (300+gr). 300gr and lower, round ball, conicals, and PowerBelts work better with 2fg powder.

 

[scrat]

My advise stick to what your supposed to use. Especially for the newer shooter. its much safer for you and everyone else around you. Once you get the hang of things and get more experience in bp. Then try some suttle changes. but dont go hog wild you dont want to blow up a barrel or yourself.

 

[sharps59]

scrat good advice

good advice scrat.
now you can go to goex site and they list recommendation for powder to cal..
or call maine powder house. and talk to them. they are very candided and will lead you in the right direction for what you want to do.
what i use and i never shoot over 100yrds. is for my 44-c&b 3fffg my 44-40 henry 3fffg. my 54 cal percussion sharps 42 of 2ffg or 38 of 3fffg give my the same groups. my 58 cal muskets 42 of 3fffg or 43 of 2ffg goex or 38 of 3fffg swiss. give me the same group and point of impact at 100yrds.
for what its worth:banghead: