1 1/2F Swiss

[NORD]

Hello everyone,

I am trying to make things simpler with the different powders I use. When I was at the range last weekend I tried comparing shooting 1 1/2F and 3f Swiss black powder in my 32 caliber muzzleloader. I have a load worked up for it in 3f (15 grains used) but want to try 1 1/2F (15 grains used) because that is what I use in my 50 caliber muzzleloader. Well I was some what surprised...I was getting excellent groups (1" minus) at 25 yards but they started opening up drastically at 50 yards. :hmm:
The reason I really want to shoot 1 1/2F in the 32 is so that I only have to order one size of black powder when I stock up.
Anybody ever try this before and if so what were your results or do you guys have any suggestions?

I plan on going back to the range this weekend and trying some different tests so any suggestions would be great.

Thank you!

 

[NORD]

I also noticed the fouling in the barrel was considerably reduced between shots, but I did notice that my velocity was reduced...by how much I don't know(I don't own a chrony)

Interesting little test I am doing...I am learning quite a bit.

Any suggestions?

 

[arcticap]

Why not increase the powder charge of the 1.5f by at least 10% volume to compensate for its larger granulation, similiar to what's recommended when switching from fffg to ffg powder. By doing that the powder charges should be more equivalent.

 

[Stony]

Some folks may consider this a stupid question but have you tried 3f in your .50? I use Goex 3f for my .36 rifle, .50 rifles and pistols and even for my 12 guage. I've had excellent results.

 

[NORD]

Why not increase the powder charge of the 1.5f by at least 10% volume to compensate for its larger granulation, similiar to what's recommended when switching from fffg to ffg powder. By doing that the powder charges should be more equivalent.

Yes that is a good idea! I think I will bump the charge from 15 grains to 20 grains and maybe more while looking for accuracy at 50 yards. Thank you!

 

[NORD]

Some folks may consider this a stupid question but have you tried 3f in your .50? I use Goex 3f for my .36 rifle, .50 rifles and pistols and even for my 12 guage. I've had excellent results.

Yes I have tried 3F swiss in my 50 caliber and I was having problems achiving any type of acceptable accuracy at 100 yards. :hmm: Maybe I should try it again this weekend...good idea! Maybe reduce my load by 10% for starters...thank you

 

[Bob Riegl]

:hmm: Personally 1.5Fg Swiss would be ideal for BPCR shooting not for a .32 calibre. The recommended powder would be fffg in anything up to .50 calibre. Once you get to .50 and up ffg would be my advise. Your "accuracy" with the .50 may be that you have not tried other loads---quite frankly I bench the gun until I am close to centre shots within a ring or two from centre, up down or left to right. At that point my sights should be adjusted for "close" shooting. Then I proceed to shoot offhand or kneeling and after shooting for a couple of days I will start to make final sight adjustnments to account for my "idiosyncracies." In that small chamber for the .32---1.5fg is way too coarse IMHO. :thumbsup: