5F in pan.

[Jim Cable]

This is my first year in muzzleloading and I'm using a Traditions PA Pellet flintlock. I'm using pellets and I found that ignition occurs in about 60 to 70 percent of my shoots. Next year I'm going to use loose powder, but I would like to finish this hunting season using the pellets because I don't want to make a change at this point. I did come accross an article that mention there was a 5F. Has anyone used 5F in a pan? Does it have a better flash? I'm not sure if I can buy it or not. I'm thinking it might ignite the pellets better.

 

[Birddog6]

I tried some a few years ago that a guy gave me, and could find no difference in it in ignition from the 4F.

You will find a tremendous difference in real BP compared to the pellets. Much metter ignition, accuracy, lock time & etc.

:thumbsup:

 

[roundball]

This is my first year in muzzleloading and I'm using a Traditions PA Pellet flintlock. I'm using pellets and I found that ignition occurs in about 60 to 70 percent of my shoots. Next year I'm going to use loose powder, but I would like to finish this hunting season using the pellets because I don't want to make a change at this point. I did come accross an article that mention there was a 5F. Has anyone used 5F in a pan? Does it have a better flash? I'm not sure if I can buy it or not. I'm thinking it might ignite the pellets better.

Pretty sure the type powder used in the pan is not going to ignite pellets any better...once the pan flashes, you have heat into the vent regardless of what granulation created the fire...I only use 4F, some even use 3F, etc.

Pellets were never intended for use in sidelocks...TC even came up with a special designed breechplug in their "Firestorm" flintlock to try and get good ignition with pellets.

I'm guessing your rifle has a patent breech, so one thing you might consider is dropping 5 grains of Goex 3F downbore first as an "ignitor charge"...bump the side of the stock to ensure it gets down inside the breech so it's sitting just inside the vent, then drop your pellets in...5 grains of 3F will not make enough difference in POI to worry about rezeroing it, but your ignition should be 100% using that approach.

 

[davy]

I agree I think most of your problem is in the pellets .. go for the loose black (2f, or 3f for the main charge)! :thumbsup: I have not used the pellets but been told by those that should know it is not reliable for flinters. :hmm:

Now I have used 7f powder (called fireworks "flash powder"?) for the pan that a friend uses and let me try, and man is it fast! :thumbsup: But ... according to those in the know ( I sure don't :hmm: ) it will clump on you if the humidity is anything resembling high. Its also harder to get hold of!

Davy

 

[PitchyPine]

I don`t see how a pellet could work in a patented breech using a flintlock unless ya crushed it when seating the ball. :hmm:

 

[CrackStock]

Pitchy,

You have to use an ignitor charge of real BP in the patent breach to set fire to the PyroHex or pellet stuff. It is a PITB, but the only way to make it work.

I just used all that stuff as rose fertilizer and began shooting only real BP.

CS

 

[PitchyPine]

I agree, i meant useing pellets alone wouldn`t work .

 

[Ohio Rusty]

I hsd a can of 5F elephant once. It tried it as pan powder, and that was the worst manure I ever tried in my gun. It wouldn't ignite. The 4F went off instantly, but the 5F wouldn't do much of anything. Even when I poured the 5F out on the driveway, I had trouble igniting the stuff with a lit match !! I think part of the problem with 5F is... it is fine ...like talcum powder. Consequently it packs tightly and doesn't permit any oxygen between the dust grains. Without the extra oxygen, it won't ignite well. Based on my experience, you will have nothing but ignition headaches trying to use the 5F. Stick with 4F as priming powder and you'll have less problems for sure.
Ohio Rusty

 

[Jim Cable]

Thanks for everyones recommendation. I will try 5 grains of 3F prior to the charge. I'm going to pickup a can on Thursday and probably will try it when I go out for deer on Friday. I hope it works! I plan to go with BP after the season when I have time to spend determing what charge works best.

Thanks again everyone and have a good New Year.

 

[Slamfire]

There is a finer, unglazed powder called meal D, although I don't know where to get any. Hunt up some rocklock society, maybe someone'll give you a li'l bit. :winking:

 

[wire]

Powder Inc sells meal d bought some myself a few weeks ago works great in my flinters.

 

[Tumblernotch]

I've used 7f myself and it is super fast, but like you said, it doesn't like humidity at all. It's not glazed and being as fine as it is, it can really suck up the moisture! I stick with 4f, even in my musket. I know a lot of guys prime with 3f and I have myself, but 4f is faster.

 

[roundball]

"...I know a lot of guys prime with 3f and I have myself, but 4f is faster..."

:thumbsup:

 

[davy]

"...I know a lot of guys prime with 3f and I have myself, but 4f is faster..."

:thumbsup:

Same here I normally use 4f for priming, but have used 3f too in the past! :thumbsup:

Davy