FFg in a .45

[jd45]

Is it ok to use FFg black in a .45 caplock? I have plenty and don't want to pay shipping on a new order. Anyone tried it? I always shot FFg in my .50cal.

 

[Phil Coffins]

Yes, done it many times works fine.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Using 2Fg in @jd45's 45 caliber rifle will be fine. He may have to add about 10% more powder to get the same performance as some 3Fg loads.

 

[stubshaft]

I've used it in my Vincent 45 rifle and it works fine. However, I do get better accuracy with 3F.

 

[jd45]

Thanks. Since we're on this subject, I wonder what would the safe limits be on each burning rate if you were limited in a survival situation?

Could you use FFFFg in tiny charges in many calibers? Or Fg in the other direction? Just curious if it's ever been tested to see what is a safe limit.

 

[Eutycus]

It wouldn't be my first choice but I don't see why not.

 

[BoomStick]

If you forget the main charge, removing the nipple and getting a small amount 4F behind the ball can clear the barrel. It's generally not recommended to use 4F as a main charge in any gun. There's a few threads on here discussing this.

Larger bores burn powder more efficiently, so smaller grains that burn more quickly aren't as necessary. I'm sure you can use 2F or really coarse cannon grade in smaller calibers, but you may find velocity and accuracy suffer.

 

[wiscoaster]

It wouldn't be my first choice but I don't see why not.

Agreed. Probably a little dirtier and more work to clean but shoots just fine.

 

[Banjoman]

If I can push a patched round ball down a barrel with my bare hands, any black powder will push it back out. I’ve even used 1f in a .45 percussion when I didn’t have anything else.

 

[okawbow]

I get better accuracy in my .45’s with 2f. There seem to be less “fines” in 2f than with 3f, and less variation in velocities. I also use 2f in my .40 caliber chunk gun for that reason.