Powder Comparison

[Zoar]

I am curious about the difference in velocity and even felt recoil between 3F, 2F and 1F.

For example. I read in the SPF manual that the same amount of 3F compared to 2F in a 50 caliber for example delivers in the range of 100-200 FPS faster.

What about felt recoil?

What is 100 grains of 3F compared to how much 2F to get the same velocity/recoil? And what about 1F?

Also----For a four bore blunderbuss do you guys think I should use 1F or 2F?

Thank you!

 

[poordevil]

I think a cannon should use cannon powder! So 1fg in the 4ga might not be a bad idea. :2

P

 

[Zoar]

Where can I get 1F in NY State?

 

[rabjr]

Order it online and have it shipped to your door from one of the suppliers. Heres one with a minimum 5 lb order. http://www.grafs.com/powders/3522

 

[BrownBear]

In the standard formula for estimating recoil, the weight of the powder charge plays a surprisingly large role. I say the forumula only gives you an estimate because so much more than energy goes into our perception of recoil.

But I'd expect that as you go to courser powders and increase the charges, actual recoil energy will go up. Whether that is meaningful or not requires making smoke. May be like trying to tell the difference between a left hook or a right cross. Both are going to hurt.

 

[Zoar]

I know the weight of the powder plays a large role, I reload modern brass cartridges and my "pet" is a 50-90 double rifle that throws a 525 grain woodleigh round nose at nearly 5000 FOOT POUNDS of Energy. Recoil loaded with 75 grains of Reloader 15 is much greater than 50 grains. I am just learning about Black Powder though and the thing I am trying to better understand is 1F verses 3F at the SAME weight.

 

[BrownBear]

I'd expect 1f to give less velocity than the same weight of 3f. If velocity is a factor, then using 3f will allow you to achieve a particular velocity with less recoil than shooting enough 1f to get the velocity you're aiming for.

And yeah. Recoil changes with powder changes is a real deal in cartridges, too. I've got a light sporter or officers model Sharpes (pre-Shiloh, so classification is a bit different) in 50-140. Load it with 130 grains of 2f under a 650 grain paper patch bullet, and you won't be doing much bench shooting!

 

[J.D.]

Pressure is the factor I would be concerned about. 100 gr of 3 F will produce much more pressure than an equal volume of 1 F, though the difference may not be all that pronounced in a 4 bore as in a 54 cal barrel.

I suggest trying light charges of both 2F and 1F, then working up to an accuracy load with both, to determine which is the most accurate as well as which is easier on your shoulder.

 

[Zoar]

Cool. Indeed. However and while I am looking for raesonable accuracy, this is afterall a 4 Bore Blunderbuss with no sights so it really is a point and, yes, shoot. It see it as a 25 and under yard gun and most times I will shoot shot with it for Turkey YET I want to SEE how it shoots a quarter pound ROUND BALL. I do not think I would ever HUNT with it using a quarter pound round ball. I think I would use the big ole round ball just to entertain myself and others and make BIG holes in inanimate objects. However I do want to load it up as much as my shoulder can take. That all said, who knows I might take it hunting tyran-asaurus. I heard they walked with man at one time.... (hahahahaaaaaaaaaa)