FFFG compared to FFg

[brew]

OK, so I finally got my 62 caliber Pedersoli "Ole Smoothie" firing and shooting the way I was hoping.

By switching to a sharper flint, repositioning my flint to frizzen contact, determining the precise amount of powder to use in the pan, and going with a 60. Ball and a .20 pillow patch my gun was shooting well but I was still experiencing a significant delay with the ignition.

That was the case until I switched to an fffg powder in the bore. Now Ole Smoothie is igniting as quickly as any other gun I have.
My question is, "Is there any disadvantage that I should concern myself with when using fffg as opposed to the ffg that I was using for the past year? Apparently she lieks the tripple f's better.

 

[musketman]

My question is, "Is there any disadvantage that I should concern myself with when using fffg as opposed to the ffg that I was using for the past year? Apparently she lieks the tripple f's better.

If you concider a cleaner burning powder a disadvantage, then yes... :haha:

I had problems in the past with FFFg burning through patches with my .75, but you are shooting a smaller bore...

if it likes it, use it... :thumbsup:

 

[Rusty Old Gunns]

Mighty Oak

With a .60 cal there will be no trouble at all using fffg. In fact many shooters prefer it over ffg.

Just remember that the usual rule of thumb is:

Generally, to keep the same aiming point, because of the higher pressures, drop 5- 10g of powder when you transition fron ffg to fffg. Having said that, if your point of aim is still the same, then that's it.

And most 20 gauge fowlers can easy handle loads greater than your shoulder cares to fire, so as long as you're under 110 grains, you should be fine.

I bought a used TVM fowler with the barrel cut down to 30" Great deer gun. While finding the best charge for it, I tried 100 grains of ffg behind a .60 ball and wads.

With that load I do believe the wad could have killed a deer. It had absolutely no accuracy, so I rolled it back to 70 grains. The gun loves it.

Enjoy your new friend.

 

[brew]

Thanks for the great info.
I didnt realize that it would be wise to reduce the amount of powder used with the fffg as oposed to the amount I was using as a hunting load with ffg. This makes sence because when I loaded with my standard hunting load amount, I sure did feel it in my shoulder. In fact my upper back is still feeling it.
I guess you live and learn.
I cant wait to get out in the feild and see if I can make meat with "Ole Smoothie"
I will let you know how I do in the upcoming PA Flintlock only late season.

 

[chuck-ia]

just curious if the vent hole liner diameter has anything to do with this? is it 1/16" or smaller? flinch

 

[pharmvet]

I recently switched from using FFFF priming to FF in the pan (same as main charge) I really like it. I even got some fff but have been reluctant to use it. I diddnt realize it was actually "cleaner". Is this true??, cause if it is I can see only one way to go.
1)faster ignition
2)cleaner
3)less volume


who could ask for more lol

 

Yes, the rule of thumb is 10 to 15 percent going up or dow between powder grain sizes. FFG to FFFG reduce the load, and FFFG to FFg in crease by 10 to 15 percent to hav approximately the same equivelent load charactoristics. Bill

 

[rschissler]

What are the reasons for NOT using fffg in a larger caliber like a Brown Bess?