GOEX Ctg in ML

I asked about this powder a while back as I have a pretty good supply and said I'd post when I tried it. Welp, today I tried it and it worked fine, (I figured it would, just wanted to know if anyone else had tried it). Anyway, I fired about 20 rounds using it and accuracy and POI were the same. I didn't set up the Pact so I don't know about velocities. Ignition in the flinter I was using was just as fast. Maybe I'm losing it but it SEEMED to be a little[url] faster.....ain[/url]'t sure 'bout it tho. Fouling between shots appeared to be the same but clean-up definitely went quicker. Humidity is incredibly high today and I know that had an effect on the fouling. The pan was really, really wet after a shot. The rifle I was shooting was a 45 cal. so next I'm gonna try it in my 36.

Welp...there's my experience with it.

Vic

 

[Zonie]

I'm going to show my ignorance of Cartridge grade BP by saying I thought it was a little courser than FFg but not as course as Fg.

If it is, then the Augest issue of MuzzleBlasts would suggest that it might give slightly lower velocitys than FFg.

For those who didn't read it or don't get MuzzleBlasts, the Bevel Brothers were comparing Fg, FFg and FFFg powder in .32, .36, .45 and .50 caliber guns.
As could be guessed, the courser powder produced lower velocitys in each caliber.

As an interesting side note they also tested some FFFFg in their Chunk Gun. NOTE: the Chunk Gun has a 1 1/8 inch .45 caliber barrel so there is a LOT of material around the bore.
Do not try this in your standard rifle.

They found the velocity produced by the FFFFg (80 grains) was less than a similar charge of FFFg and the fouling was unbeleveably bad. So bad that it took two wet patch wipings to get the bore back to a similar condition that one wiping gives with FFg powder.
IMO, the 4Fg's lower velocity does NOT mean the pressure was less. It could have been much higher with the 4Fg but because the burning rate was so fast the pressure peaked and started to fall off rapidly giving the ball less total velocity. Without a special test barrel to measure pressures and strains we don't know.

 

Hey Zonie...

Thanks for that info. I would expect a lower velocity with Ctg. as compared to Fffg in both my 45 and 36 for exactly the reasons you stated.

Just looking at the lot of Ctg. I have it appears to fall between Ffg and Fffg. I recall reading when it first came out it was their intent for it to be there......but that's been a while back. My lot of powder is from the mid-90's and they lost the plant and both their powder monkeys since then. I know there were some QC issues for a while but again that's been a while ago. Most large bore BPC rifles show a decided preference for Ffg or Fg so it's entirely possible and very likely they enlarged the grain size. Obviously I need to shoot up this powder so's I can get some new!!!!

Vic

 

[Keith]

Zonie, that was an interesting test you cited with 4f. I suspect you are right about the fouling, being due to the pressure spiking earlier. I also believe the velocity would be higher, and the fouling less in a shorter barrel. Some pressure testing equipment would be very interesting during a test like that.

Sharps4590, I thought I remember reading that the cartridge grade had more graphite on it to make it flow better for reloading, sound right? I did just find an article about Cowboy powder in Blackpowder Hunting that says Goex is more careful screening cartridge powder. This results in the powder being more uniform in size, Has lower peak pressure, but more consistency.

 

Keith, I believe you're correct about the graphite and the more careful screening. It certainly works well in my Sharps, Ballard and double rifles. I haven't tried any Swiss or KIK but if they're better, they must really be good.

Vic