BP Measuring Question

[kmeyer]

I am about to take the plunge into BP. Probably goex 3f. I have been shooting pyrodex in percussions for about 15 years now. Pyrodex is measured in volume and I know bp in weight. How do you all measure your loads using bp? Do I need to weigh the first one and then see how much volume it is? Sorry if it's a dumb question, but I prefer to error on the safe side

 

[Rebel]

NO, black powder is measured in VOLUME too. Use the same adjustable measurer you did for Pyrodex. You might want to check it's accuracy with a scale to know what it is actually throwing at a given setting.

 

What Rebel said!

And I don't want to appear a smart-A but you might want to read up on this subject from a recognized authority before you "Make the plunge".

We are just guys with a computer. You don't know us from Adam. We might not even own or shoot guns for all you know.

People might look at you funny if you tell them you placed your safty in the hands of "Rebel and Ghost, on the computer"!

:front:

 

[kmeyer]

Rebel - I understand your statement, but I was using the forum for general info on measuring techniques people use. All information on any forum needs to be taken with a grain of salt. I will start small and work up my own loads, but I thought BP was measured in weight. I'm a big pyrodex fan, but plan to get into flintlocks now where I will need better ignition. If I could get good ignition from Pyrodex, I would much prefer it.

 

[arilar]

kmeyer,
Currently I use Swiss n 2 and 3. And they DO differ in weight slightly in same volume. Can make a difference (for instance when shooting minie :imo. Check it out the first time to see which volume compare to what weight.
And I support Ghost:s point on to be careful in follow peoples "advices".
ARILAR :: :thumbsup:

 

[Stumpkiller]

It would certainly be a good idea to check your measure just for future reference (ie - if you should lose it and need to replace it for your curent sight settings). I have found lots of differences in "calibrated" measures.

Throw ten charges into the scale pan and then divide the weight by ten for an average. I check every one of mine before use and make a note of the actual charges thrown in a notebook in my shooting box.

When you get a bunch, you pick up a chunk of antler or bone and think "now how much did this one hold?"

CRS Disease, dontcha know.

 

[Rebel]

Well, it is actually in weight, but is measured by volume, just like you have been doing with the Pyrodex. Like we all said, set you measurer for 70 grs and then throw a few charges on a scale and see what they ACTUALLY weigh. Then you will have a reference point. And like Stumpkiller said, not all measurers throw the same as they say, so you would need to check each one. You may find that the one you have throws what it says. That would be great. Best bet is to do like you said, and start low and work up in 5 gr increments. Have fun.

 

[roundball]

I am about to take the plunge into BP. Probably goex 3f. I have been shooting pyrodex in percussions for about 15 years now. Pyrodex is measured in volume and I know bp in weight. How do you all measure your loads using bp? Do I need to weigh the first one and then see how much volume it is? Sorry if it's a dumb question, but I prefer to error on the safe side

Also used Pyrodex (Select & RS) in sidelock percussions, for about 10 years, worked great...switched to Flintlocks and Goex 3F, and found it to be so fast, clean, and accurate, that I rezeroed all my percussions with Goex 3F as well.

Hodgdon designed Pyrodex to simulate and operate from the same powder measure volume settings as Goex, and I personally found that to be the case...it's designed around the fact that BP is measured by volume.

===============================================================
NOW, SWITCH TOPICS AND DON'T CONFUSE WHAT I'M ABOUT TO SAY WITH THE DISCUSSION WE JUST HAD ABOUT POWDER MEASURES...THIS IS A DIFFERENT POINT TO REMEMBER ABOUT POWDERS (IT'S NOT ABOUT POWDER MEASURES):

NOTE:
If you're switching from Pyrodex Select or RS, to Goex 3F...remember that Pyrodex Select & RS are 2F equivalents...and that a 3F type powder is a little "hotter", creates more pressure faster than a slower buring 2F type powder...regardless if a real BP or a BP substitute.

So when you start using 3F, the rule of thumb is to simply reduce a Goex 3F powder charge by 10-15% from what you'd normally use if you were using a Goex or Pyrodex 2F type powder.

Example: if you normally used 100grns of 2F (either Pyrodex RS or Goex 2F) for a hunting load...then 85grns of 3f (either Pyrodex P or Goex 3F) would be the approximate equivalent, so you'd set your powder measure to throw 85grns of 3F.

If you're like most, you'll get hooked on the flinters when you start shooting them...enjoy!
:redthumb:

 

[kmeyer]

Thanks all for the input. It makes sense. In a smoothbore, do you prefer 3f or 4f in the bore, or does it depend on the caliber? Also, do you use the same in the pan? Thanks again.

 

[Rebel]

I used both 2f and 3f in my .62 cal./.20 ga smoothbore. I also use 3f for priming any more. Less moisture sensitive than 4f. I would use 3f for rd balls and 2f for shot loads.

 

[roundball]

Thanks all for the input. It makes sense. In a smoothbore, do you prefer 3f or 4f in the bore, or does it depend on the caliber? Also, do you use the same in the pan? Thanks again.

Others have far more smoothbore experience than I do and they should chime in here...but one thing you should never do is use 4F as a main charge...it is an extremely fast, thus high pressure producing priming powder for flintlock pans...a large charge of that as a main charge would blow your firearm up like a hand grenade.

IMO, powder is not really oriented by smoothbore or rifled bore...although one or the other types of powder might give better accuracy for a certain load, etc.

I have a .62cal/.20ga smoothbore and have used both 3F and 2F in it with shot loads only...and the only difference I could tell was a little sharper recoil with the faster charge of 3F.

Getting into muzzleloading, particularly using real black powder is very, very much worthy of some serious reading before ever putting powder down a bore...I really urge you to set aside the firearm and spend a few nights reading through as many information articles as possible for your introduction to black powder muzzleloading...there is a lot to learn, none of it is rocket science, but a few innocent mistakes can cost you very seriously...not something to just casually walk into.

At the top of this Forum is a category called Muzzleloading Links...scroll down through the section on articles and books...there are some outstanding introductory articles there about BP and flintlocks...best few hours investment in time you could make...
:redthumb: