Goex vs. Swiss?

[Rick Callison]

I have a .32 cal. Traditions Crockett percussion rifle. I'd like to work up a load for maximum accuracy. It has always been an accurate rifle with Goex and Triple Seven, 30 grains. Any recommendations on other powders, like Swiss?

 

[paulvallandigham]

Swiss is hotter burning powder, giving more velocity for the same volume of powder. You may have to reduce the powder charge by 10-15%. The difference in velocity does not justify the extra cost of the powder, unless you are a bench rest target shooter. Those folks don't shoot .32 caliber guns, either.

Schuetzen and Wano powders are on par with Goex as velocities go, and sometimes can be purchased a bit cheaper than Goex.

The Chamber pressures on hot loads in the .32 are much higher than anyone previously believed. Be very careful how much powder you load. The last thing you want is a Nipple flying back at you, along with powder debris. Always wear eye protection when you shoot. If you have a chronograph, or access to one, use it when developing Safe loads.

Its not difficult to send a .310 PRB out a barrel at 2,000 fps. or faster. The real question is " WHY?" Because of its light weight, its good for small game out to 25 yds, and perhaps on larger varmints to 50 yards. But any wind moves the ball around a lot, making hits at longer yardage a real problem when you have any kind of breeze. Its not going to be a .30-06 with anything you are loading in the gun, so just enjoy these pea shooters for what they are. Keep the balls subsonic, and they will be as accurate as you can hold your sights, and give you hours of pleasure, plinking at cans or whatever you have, and will be a wonderful choice for that squirrel hunt with a buddy. :thumbsup:

 

[MikeChapin]

You might want to try KIK. It is a little hotter than GOEX and, for me, burns a little cleaner. It is not as pricey as GOEX and way lower than Swiss, usually running a dollar or so cheaper per pound than GOEX.

 

[Dave K]

I use Swiss in all my guns up to 50ca., which is my largest rifles. In all guns especially the small bores,(33,36,36,38 and 40cal.) the less fouling and the little amount of powder is certainly worth it to me. I always want every shot to be my very best shot, so I use what I beleive to be the best powder for what I am doing. Others will think it is not that important or worth it to them. That is why there are different powders and prices I guess. I love Swiss powder. Your opinion may vary.

 

[arilar]

Well...I use Swiss in ALL my ML weapons included small and big-bore matchlocks, minie-rifles as .577-.58 and original flintlock-muskets in cal. .72-.78.
Regards,
ARILAR :thumbsup:

 

[renovato]

Swiss is pricey, but in a .32 you'll get so many shots per pound that the price difference isn't that big of a deal. I find Swiss a lot cleaner and more accurate than Goex. Since I mostly shoot larger calibers, I don't use it as often as I like because of the price. Once you find the right charge/patch/lube combination, Swiss turns in tighter groups than anything else I've tried.

 

[Rick Callison]

Thanks for the input! I bought a pound of Swiss today; it is pricey, but in a .32 will last me awhile.

 

[swedepie]

What does a pound of Swiss cost in Sweden?

 

[shmrck1]

Rick,
I have tried about everything,and always
come back to Goex.I guess just because:hmm:
snake-eyes

 

[Birddog6]

For me Swiss is the cat's meow in s smallbore. You can shoot it all day with little fouling & when ya go to clean it, about 5-6 patches & the bore is clean. Really amazing stuff & a can of it lasts forever using only 20 grains at a shot. When I had a Traditions Crockett I shot 20 grains of Swiss 3F, a .310 patch & original Lehigh Lube on a .015 pillow ticking patch. Had another load that shot good at 25 grains. Both would shoot a consistent under 1" group at 50 yards. When I bought my Swiss it was $ 10.15 per pound & I got a case of it. Using 25 grains at a time it should last me :hmm: end of the month :hmm: :rotf: :rotf:

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

I like GOEX too. It hasn't given me any problems and I find it to offer fine accuracy. It doesn't hurt that I can have it delivered to my door for less than $14.50 a pound. Swiss would cost me over $25.00 per pound. Even using 10% or 15% less powder for each shot, there is no savings to be had here.

 

[Dave K]

I just checked with one powder supplier, Powder Inc., there are many others you could check with. They will deliver Swiss to your door with the hazmat for $19.95 a pound. Anyone interested in saving money, should buy any powder they like to use by the case, even if they need to buy it with friends. Buying by the case is like getting around 7 lbs. of powder FREE over buying one pound at a time. (I only checked Swiss price, other brands may vary)

 

[shmrck1]

Might want to also check out www.grafs.com.
Very reasonable prices and great folks to deal with. IMHO
snake-eyes:hmm:

 

[Semisane]

If you're going to buy a case of GOEX, try Jack's Powder Keg. $315 a case ($12.60 a pound) delivered to your door.