Mixing powder (not what you think)

[Notchy Bob]

I was recently reading in The Muzzle Loading Rifle: Then and Now, by Walter Cline. In Chapter IX, he described his effort to duplicate a 600 yard shot across a river, taken by a Kentuckian named Kirk with a flintlock longrifle. Mr. Cline refurbished an old rifle for the project. He did not specifically state the caliber, but said it carried a bullet [ball] of 220 grains, which would be roughly .530". I don't think he said why, but he loaded the rifle with a duplex charge, 25 grains of FFFg followed by 50 grains of Fg. He also used a felt wad over the powder and under the patched ball. He made his shot.

The point of that windy narrative was to suggest trying a duplex load if you want to shoot up both kinds of powder. I've heard of using a small "kicker" charge of black powder in this way to help light up a load of Pyrodex, but I hadn't thought of trying it with different granulations of black powder before reading it in Mr. Cline's book. I would agree with the others who said mixing the two granulations in a single horn would likely result in inconsistent shooting due to the different granulations segregating themselves. Loading as Mr. Cline did would require more time, in addition to carrying two separate horns or flasks, but it might be fun to try for a few shots, and would likely give more consistent results than trying to mix the powders.

If you try it, we'll be wanting a full report...

Best regards,

Notchy Bob

 

[SDSmlf]

I will have my first flintlock next month. I have several lbs of Goex 2f. A friend gave me some 3f.
Would mixing Goex 2f and 3f together to stretch the 3f out until I can get more cause any issues? Anybody done this or is it even worthwhile?

Why? Not sure if you would be actually stretching the 2F or 3F? Keep them separate unless you are looking to burn off a small amount of powder. Mixing to mix will possibly lead to regret or confusion at some point in the future. Shooting 2F? 3F? Or 2-1/2F? Either will work as will as is or as a mix, but I would suggest keeping them separate so you know what you are using.

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Yup. Thks.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Thanks for the input guys. Think I’ll keep separate. My plan is to charge and prime from the same horn. 1 powder.

Thks

That's wise, don't mix. Not a big deal if you do but, really, no point. Just keep track of where your rifle point of impact is with the two granulations. I'll betcha, offhand, you will not see a difference.

 

[BigAl52]

Now you can find a small horn and make a priming horn. Give you something more to do.

 

[tenngun]

If I drop my charge 10% when going from 2F to 3F, how much would I have to drop my charge if I went to 4F?

Britsmoothie shoots 4f. I’ve not done it. Cant recommend it
Sam Falada tried to blow a barrel using three f. Did some god awful charges. Did not get any change until he obstructed the barrel.
In my mind I’m betting any gun that is safe for three should be safe for four.
That’s what I THINK… but I sure ain’t going to try it

 

[Omahkapi'si]

I prefer to shoot from 1 horn. But might make a priming horn just for the challenge.