4f priming powder...

[BigD63]

Howdy All,
I'm a flintlock virgin. I've been making smoke with a percussion rifle for 3 years, but I just purchaced my first flintlock (T/C Hawken .50). In my research (internet expert!), I've learned that flintlocks are primed with 4f. I've read here that 3f (even 2f) works also. I've ordered some 4f but it will not arrive until next week. Should I wait until the 'fine' stuff arrives or go blasting using 3f primer? I'm a big boy and can wait, but I really want to try my new boom stick this weekend (weather permiting)!

 

[RIDE-RED350R]

Based solely what I've seen stated by many members here, 3F and even in many cases 2F will get the priming job done in a pinch. There may be a little more delay, YMMV. I haven't tried anything but 4F myself. I got a pound of it shortly after I got my first flinter.

I'm pretty new to flinters also. Got my first this past August at an auction. A TC PA Hunter.

 

[nchawkeye]

FFF Works just fine, in fact we aren't even sure when they started using finer powder for priming, just like ball boards and short starters...

 

[TDM]

While I prefer to use 4F, I’ve used 3F with no problems. I’ve personally never used 2F but others say it’s not a problem. And this was with my .50’s.

 

[TDM]

FFF Works just fine, in fact we aren't even sure when they started using finer powder for priming, just like ball boards and short starters...

Yep, lots of post period tools that we now take as gospel.

 

[Bushfire]

2F is fine.

 

[SciAggie]

I prefer 4F - but use 3F until it comes in. You’ll be fine.

 

[user 49399]

I’ve been using 2f for priming and main charge in .62 and.69 calibers for years with no problems.

 

[BigD63]

Thanks for the responces. The weekend will be cold and wet (maybe flurries on Sunday!), not the best weather for a greenhorn's first outing with a flintlock! By the time I get to shot it, I will have my 4f! It's nice to know that I can use other powders in pinch. I will use the 4f, but will try the others at some point.

 

[Uncle Miltie]

Fffg will work but for quickest ignition ffffg or Swiss Null B work best.

 

[Brokennock]

Just go shoot.

 

[Tumbledown]

I have used FFG for both charge and prime in my .50cal without issue.

 

[D.Summers]

3F works great! All I use

 

[david w]

I have a priming horn spout that dispenses 3 gr. with 4fg. 3fg doesn't meter as well. I've tried just pouring from the horn, but I usually fill the pan too much and have to wipe some away. 3fg would be my preference if the spout would allow.

 

[D.Summers]

Yes, the horn often puts too much powder in the pan!! Especially if you're being hasty!!

 

[kyron4]

I started with 2F , being it's all I had at the time ; it worked fine. Finally got some 4F , only slightly faster but awful in humid conditions. I prefer 3F when hunting in damper conditions.

 

[Ballshooter]

I use my own black brew 2 1/2 F it works very well plenty fast and hunting in the rain was no problem.

 

[SDSmlf]

Howdy All,
I'm a flintlock virgin. I've been making smoke with a percussion rifle for 3 years, but I just purchaced my first flintlock (T/C Hawken .50). In my research (internet expert!), I've learned that flintlocks are primed with 4f. I've read here that 3f (even 2f) works also. I've ordered some 4f but it will not arrive until next week. Should I wait until the 'fine' stuff arrives or go blasting using 3f primer? I'm a big boy and can wait, but I really want to try my new boom stick this weekend (weather permiting)!

Use what you have. Learn from your own first hand experiences, not from the opinion of some keyboard jockey on the internet. Once you try different powder manufacturers and various granulations you will figure what you like and works best for you in your guns. In mean time, use what you have and keep notes. In the big picture, have found most any real blackpowder works to some degree and amount of satisfaction. One just has to figure out what makes them smile the most.

 

[SamTex1949]

Just consider that all armies that were using flintlock firearms didnt bother with 4F for priming !

 

[user 49399]

Don’t let an F here or an F there keep you from shooting.