2f or 3f

[chance]

I was needing some help. I have been trying to work up a good all around load. I have been shooting 80gr of 2f for target and hunting load. A friend suggested shooting 60 gr of 3f. The 60 gr shot good out of my flinter but was wondering if it would still do for hunting in my 50cal. Thank you for yalls time.

 

[BrownBear]

It'd probably do okay, but I'm pouring 80 grains of 3f Goex down the bores of my 50 cals. That's more for a little flatter trajectory than any worries about killing power with less powder. I sight in at 75 yards, and 80 grains puts me 2-3" low at 100, while around an inch high at 50 and virtually dead on at 25. Only reason I'm using 3f rather than 2f is that my 50's all seem to prefer it.

 

[roundball]

I use Goex 3F in everything I can...so far its always been faster, cleaner, and more accurate in .45/.50/.54 cals...just reduce the load data for 2F by 10% to keep pressures in the same ballpark and enjoy.

My .50cal PRB deer load is:
90grns Goex 3F
Oxyoke wad
.018" pillow ticking
Hornady .490

 

[texcl]

I use 3f in everything as well, shoots better in every rifle I own.

 

[chance]

Thanks for all the input. I will go with 3f and try 70-80gr.

 

[Tom Compton]

Try them both. Just like a small change in patch material or lube, depends on what your equipment likes

I use Goex FFg in revolver w/ 20 gr loades, rifles .32, .40 (flint and percussion), .48, .50, .54 flint, .58, 14 ga and 12 ga. and found combination that is accurate in each of the rifles and pistols.

Unless hunting, I wipe between shots so slightly cleaner burning is not an issue. Several ranges require wiping between shots for safety reasons. Main reason I use FFg is some tests 20 years ago with target rifles showing FFFg had 3-5 velocity spikes of 2-300 fps in 100 shot strings. FFg did not show that.

TC

 

[Stumpkiller]

As stated above - one may give better results in a given muzzleloader. I shoot 3F in my .54 flinter so I can use the same powder for main and prime (though I keep a small priming flask as it is much easier to tip into the pan).

 

[nw_hunter]

I use 3f in everything. More bang for the buck.
Like RB said, only I seldom use the wad.

 

[Fran49829]

My Traditions Frontier 50 cal round ball rifle was given to me because the owner couldn't get it to fire reliably. Eventually I got around to trying FFFG with a Remington #10 cap and the ignition problems were solved. FFFG also burns much cleaner.

Fran

 

[bebloomster]

I use 3F in everything including my 75 cal Brown Bess. Burns cleaner and just seems more consistent.

 

[renovato]

I've only got one gun that prefers FFG. Everything else, from .45 to .58 shoots better with FFFG. I'd suggest working up a load with FFFG and seeing if it works as well for you. It sure burns cleaner too.

 

[chance]

All this info is great thanks!!

 

[hanshi]

I use 3f for everything. It seems to burn cleaner, gives more shots to the pound and keeps me from having to have two kinds of powder on hand. I use an over powder wad (usually toilet paper) so velocities are very consistent.

 

[oldarmy]

I use 3fff in my 50 cal pistols.
2ff in anything over .50 in a rifle. I like Swiss NULLB for a prime..4ffff goex as a last resort.
I find no difference in fouling between 3fff and 2ff.
The 2ff gives me better shot to shot consistency.
The smaller grain priming powder gives me a HOTTER, Quicker flash.. IMHO.
I have never been a great flint knaper and the smaller priming powder gives me a few more shots out of the flint.

 

[hanshi]

I also think 4f (don't have any NullB) is to be preferred for priming. I've used 3f and it works fine but 4f just seems more reliable. The "cleaner burning" thing may be more in my mind than anything else; just an impression I get. I use 3f even in my .54 with superior results but since I have a .62 fowler coming, I will be trying some of my small stock of 2f.

 

[oldarmy]

I worked for a barrel making company for a few months.. Green Mt.. They make nice stuff. The job didn't last, but that's a different issue. I was an inspector and I can tell you from personal experience. They make nice stuff and know what they are talking about. Plus they stand 100% behind their work.
They started as a muzzle loading barrel company. The original owner was a big time competitor and couldn't find a barrel that met his high standards..
So he started making his own.
I know what happens when "big corp" takes over. NOW THEY MAKE MILITARY AND COMMERCIAL BARRELS.
None the less.. they always say.. use a 2ff in .50 or over and a fine prime for quicker,cleaner ignition.
I shoot my handmade guns every week, Next to the plant manager.
Show him my latest creation. some with GM barrels some with Colerain, some with DOM tubing..some drilled smooth bores :hmm:
We talk and shoot.. He says they have done extensive testing, that they all share.. Not just GM, but TC, Knight,,etc. They use the same tooling, steal talent from each other :v
The larger the bore, the bigger grain powders give better consistency.
Much like center fire weapons.. the bigger the caliber, with the longer barrel. the slower burning powers offer "a better burning curve' for lack of the correct term. :redface:
Use what you want.
That NULLB.. is just an awesome priming powder.
It's expensive, but it just kicks ass :thumbsup: