FFFF vs Prodex

[MikeW319]

I have been shooting Prodex and having problems. I want to switch back to black powder 3F but all I can find is 4F. Is 4F going to be a problem and if I can use what changes should I make in my load? I have been using 90 grains of Prodex,

 

FFFFG is for priming flintlocks only, it's not to be used as a main charge. There are a number of suppliers out there than will ship to your door. I use Powder Inc. Don't know where you are located but, but you might be able to get someone to split a case with you. There are other suppliers out there, and others can help list them. www.powderinc.com

Bill

 

[hoochiepapa]

Try to hook up with ml shooters in your area, and trade some of the 4F.

 

[Rat Trapper]

What kind of problems are you having?

If your rifle is a cap lock, you should not be having problems. I'd guess your problems stem from something you are doing wrong, not the powder. I like Triple Seven in some of my rifles. Others I use Goex, just depends on what the rifle likes. I've shot a fair amount of American Pioneer powder and while not my favorite, it did go bang and produced good groups. Since it was free, as a friend moved on to a different sub, I used it.

 

[CoyoteJoe]

The most common problem with Pyrodex R-S is the very large kernel size which will not permit it to flow into the very small flash channel between nipple and powder chamber. The fire of the cap has to jump through that gap and its temperature is much lowered by the time it reaches the powder. Pyrodex P has a much smaller kernel size and may eliminate your problems. If the only black powder you can easily get is 4f you could use 5-10 grains of that dropped first to serve as a priming charge for the Pyrodex R-S and that should also solve your problems with ignition, assuming ignition is the problem to which you refer.

 

[Grullaguy]

I have been using 10 grains of FFF with the remaining charge of Pyrodex CTG.
Pyrodex CTG is now obsolete and is even coarser than R-S. It is like loading pea gravel-horrible stuff to measure.

I think 5 grains of the finer FFFF with a charge of Pyrodex RS should work fine. I would start well below 90 grains though. Maybe 50 grains for a test shot and then work your way back up?