Black Powder 3F vs 2F in my .50 Hawkins

[JIM1911]

I have seen that some people are using 3F in there 50 Caliber Rifles . I have very little 2 left but 5 times as much 3F . I only have one pistol . Im hoping to use up more 3f but wonder about load sizes or if it is even a good idea :hmm:

Thanks ,Jim

 

[jderrick]

I've always heard FFFg was fine in .50s... it's what I use in mine....

 

[roundball]

I have seen that some people are using 3F in there 50 Caliber Rifles . I have very little 2 left but 5 times as much 3F . I only have one pistol . Im hoping to use up more 3f but wonder about load sizes or if it is even a good idea :hmm:

Thanks ,Jim

All I use for PRB loads in my .45/.50/.54cal TC Hawkens is Goex 3F:
50grns Targets
90grns Deer Hunting

The industry rule of thumb when using 3F in place of 2F is to simply reduce the 2F load data by 10-15% to keep the pressure in the same range when using the faster 3F granulation...ie: reduce 100grns of 2F to only 85grns of 3F.

3F is an excellent choice...fast, clean and accurate.

 

[jtmattison]

3f will work great.
I use it in all of my .54 caliber rifles with charges up to 90 grains.
It burns true and clean.

HD

 

[playfarmers]

3f is all I use in my .50 cal flinter, and I am switching over to 3f for our 2 .50 cal cap locks as soon as my 2f, and Pyrodex run out. I have done some testing and 3f is as good as the others.

 

[Slake]

I use both, I buy Goex when I can and buy whatever I can of either. I thought I might have noticed a bigger boom with 2f but I thought it was my imagination. I'll use either. Most of my guns are 50's all are rifles {so far}

 

[john12865]

I've just started using FFFg in my 50's and it seems as if there is less fouling and less of a report. I'm getting more of the crack then the boom. Crack is better then boom, so I maybe on to something :hmm: . Someday when the rain stops here :shake: I'll be able to get more then a few shots off and see what it does for accurancy

 

[Landngroove]

I also use Goex FFFG in my .50's and .54's, with patched round balls. Instant ignition, and good, consistant accuracy. You won't go wrong.

 

[Swampman]

I use 3F in everything, even my Brown Bess.

 

[Patricknwohio]

I have been using 3F in my .62 Cal Smooth Bore flint and primming with the 3F. Seems to work fine.

 

[Bob J]

I use Goex 3f in my .54 GPR with roundball; 100 grain max load when hunting (may reduce it to 90 grains, but its very accurate at Lyman's max load of 100 grains). 60 grains offhand practice.

:hmm: Interesting others have mentioned less of a report with 3f -vs- 2f. A friend was watching me shoot the GPR at his place and was standing behind,but slightly off to the side. I was trying both 3f and 2f (100 grains). He said that 2f must be more "powerful" because he could feel more of a concussion when I shot with 2f. Could it be that there is more unburned powder expelled with 2f? Or powder being exploded just outside the muzzle? Both 2f and 3f give excellent accuracy with this rifle.

 

[JIM1911]

Wow What a responce, :bow:

Thanks alot everyone. Great info! Now I wont need to buy any powder for a Long Time.
Havent had to for 27 Years Im not looking forward to that day. I havent checked yet but Im shure it aint going to be cheap with all the hazmat fees and such. Thanks again :bow:

Jim

 

[john12865]

I'm getting tighter groups with the FFFG. :grin: I'm sticking with FFFG.