FF vs. FFF Triple Seven

[Misfit-45]

Hodgden's Triple seven powder is supposed to be a very clean powder. That's the direction I want to go for now. The literature says FF used for .50 cal. and larger, and FFF for .50 cal. and smaller.
Shooting a .50 cal. 395 grn. conical, what is the practical difference between the two powders? Yes, I know that FFF is a faster burning powder. Does that mean it's better to lower the powder volume from what is used with FF? Is there an accuracy issue from FF to FFF? Distances? 150 yards vs. 50 yards?. What's the practical reason for using one or the other? Power vs.accuracy? Thanks.
Marv

 

[Herb]

I have shot several pounds of each with roundballs in .40, .50, .54 and .58 caliber rifles, percussion and flintlocks, and can't tell you much practical difference in them. If you have the literature, you can see that the max load of 100 grains of EACH T72F and T73F with a 385 grain conical is 100 grains and the velocities are 1613 and 1605 fps. You don't have to lower the powder volume according to them. Power and trajectory will be the same. Accuracy? Test in your rifle to know. I don't remember any difference.

 

[Spikebuck]

I have and continue to use 777 in my percussion guns and have found it to be a very reliable powder which produces high velocities. But I have not found it to be "cleaner" than real BP in terms of fouling. In fact, it seems a bit "harder" to me in that my lubed patches on real black powder cut the fouling and I do not need to swab nearly as often. With 777 I pretty much need to swab the bore at least every three shots. It doesn't have the "stink" :slap: (that's everyone here slapping me) that real black powder does (at least my WIFE says it stinks :grin: ). Cleans up about the same.

As far as 2F vs 3F, you'll have to just shoot varying load combinations of both from your gun to determine which shoots the best groups. For small caliber rifles, like my .36 and .32, I always use 3F. But have shot both 2F and 3F in calibers up to 12 Ga.

Now that I'm getting into Flinters more and more, I'll probably use up the 777 I have and just go all real BP just to keep the "inventory" more simple. Plus that gives me an excuse to shoot a bunch re-working loads in my percussion guns.

 

[Lorne Johnson]

As you say, FFF is faster burning than FF. FFF also produces higher chamber pressures, although the subsonic flame front of black powder may limit this effect.

With round ball, I would say it's a matter of which gives the best accuracy. With a 395 conical, pressure becomes more significant. It is likely to at least wear out nipples somewhat faster, and produce more apparent recoil. You get to make the call on how important either of those work out for you (either it produces a flinch or it doesn't). I don't believe that either up to 100 grains would be unsafe.

 

[BrownBear]

I have shot several pounds of each with roundballs in .40, .50, .54 and .58 caliber rifles, percussion and flintlocks, and can't tell you much practical difference in them. If you have the literature, you can see that the max load of 100 grains of EACH T72F and T73F with a 385 grain conical is 100 grains and the velocities are 1613 and 1605 fps. You don't have to lower the powder volume according to them. Power and trajectory will be the same. Accuracy? Test in your rifle to know. I don't remember any difference.

Much the same for my old hunting pard. He did a lot of comparative shooting, but no chrono work. When he moved he left me half a dozen jugs or T7 and his notes, but darned if I can find the notes. He really likes T7, and I'm going to spend some time with it in my cappers this summer.