3F versus 2F in a .54

[stormcrow]

I am thinking about experimenting with some 3F loads in my .54 but don't really know what the equivalent load should be. I currently shoot 2F using 50 grs for targets and 90 grs for hunting. I'm assuming a smaller load for 3F, but what would an equivalent 3F load be? Is there a general rule of thumb for this?

Thanks.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Little in this game has the same exactitude as with modern gun loading and shooting.
Using same amounts of 3Fg as your current 2Fg load would not be dangerous. But, to learn optimum performance for your needs, drop down about 10 grains and do some target shooting from the bench to work up what you like the best.

 

[rabjr]

Drop ten gr using 3F. I have used 90gr 2F and 90gr 3F with no problem in my .54s though. Had one prefer 2F and the other preferred 3F.

 

[jerrywh]

I have switched back and forth several times in my 54's. I would stick with the 50 grain load for tatgets within 75 yds and go to 80 grs of fffg at over that range. I don't shoot over 80 grs unless I use a buffer wad.

 

[BrownBear]

You're on track. Try both and let the guns decide. Some of our 54's prefer one over the other, and one doesn't care. But it's always worth the check with a new gun. We've always followed the prescription of dropping the 3f charge around 10% from the 2f charges, and never really tested simply swapping with no drop. It's certainly not an issue when you're not chasing max.

I originally started messing with 3f when I wanted to use the same horn for charging and priming. Works great. I'm not sophisticated enough in my shooting to notice any difference, but I've subsequently started using 2f for prime in guns that prefer 2f charges and had no issues with delayed ignition that I can sense. Others report strong differences, so I'll leave them to make their case on that point.

 

[nchawkeye]

I use 80grs FFF Goex in mine, it seems to burn cleaner and leaves less residue than FF...

I use to drop down to 50grs for targets but if I want a light target load load now I grab the .40...She shoots straight with as little as 25gr...

 

[Stumpkiller]

I drop back 6 or 7% when going from FFg to FFFg.

I use 85 gr FFFg in my .54 Flintlock and prime with it as well.

 

[jerrywh]

I like 3f because it burns a little cleaner.

 

[Matt85]

i dont have a 54 but my 50 does seem to like 3F. i started out using 2F in my 50 but the gun is really sensitive to fouling and will clog up fast. so i tried 3F, this seems to work great and will yield a clover leaf at 50 yards if i do my part.

i use 70grns of 3F schuetzen with a wonder wad and a 0.015 patched .490 round ball.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I have switched back and forth several times in my 54's. I would stick with the 50 grain load for tatgets within 75 yds and go to 80 grs of fffg at over that range. I don't shoot over 80 grs unless I use a buffer wad.

I don't see the point in buffer wads. What do they buff? More ejectile weight means more recoil. I shoot a .54 but my results will not necessarily translated into what is best for you. That is largely determined by rate of twist. I have a 1:72 and do not get acceptable accuracy under 70 gr. 3Fg. Regular charge is 77gr.

 

[Bob J]

I use 50 grains 3f in my .54 for offhand practice. For hunting, I switch to 85 grains 2f.

 

[Vaino]

Just went from 120 grs 2f w/ a .535 RB and .025 patch to 120 grs 3f w/ the same RB but w/ a .020 patch and didn't have to change the sights and both loads were accurate. Using 3f and the .020 patch made for a much easier 2nd loading......Fred

 

[nkbj]

Yo Stormcrow.
I'd suggest to load the same amount of FFFg and if it doesn't shoot accurately then start slowly lowering the charge.

 

[VEARL]

In my 54 Cal. Renegade, I use 80 Gr. of 3F Goex for hunting whitetail deer and 50 Gr.of 3F for target shooting.
I use a load of powder, then a 1/4 fiber wad followed up with .020 lubed patched .530 RB.
The fiber wad helps to prevent burn out on the patches. a folded up dry patch will also work.
I tried 2F in this rifle and the fowling was just to much.

 

[Rifleman1776]

The fiber wad helps to prevent burn out on the patches.

A proper ball/patch size combo will not result in burned patches.
In 45 years at this game the only burned patches I have had was while experimenting with grossly undersized balls or synthetich blend patches.

 

[ohio ramrod]

I prefer FFF in most of my guns simply because I get basicly the same results using 10% less FFF than FF. Which amounts to more shots per lb.The only exception is in the larger caliber smooth bores :idunno:

 

[Herb]

Stormcrow, here is a comparison I did with a .54 caplock Hawken I built. I mistrust the accuracy with that scope I had on the rifle, but the velocity comparison is valid. I believe I could have shot better groups with the open sights. It just happened that I got that scope out tonight and cleaned it up to put on a friend's .22-250 Ruger, so tomorrow I'll find out if the scope was faulty. http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showpost.php?post/657638/.

 

[Billnpatti]

Sort of a general rule when going from 2f to 3f is to reduce your load by 10% and then adjust as needed to get your best groups.

 

[stormcrow]

All good information. So it sounds like somewhere between same load and -10% is the range to experiment with. I wouldn't have thought straight away that patch adjustments might be necessary with a 3F load, but it makes sense. Thanks gents.

 

[Matt85]

Just went from 120 grs 2f w/ a .535 RB and .025 patch to 120 grs 3f w/ the same RB but w/ a .020 patch and didn't have to change the sights and both loads were accurate. Using 3f and the .020 patch made for a much easier 2nd loading......Fred

what are you shooting at?! :shocked2:

120 grains of 3F behind a 54 cal ball is some serious recoil! not mention it voids almost every factory warranty i know of.