Powder substitutes and the Pedersoli 2nd Model Brown Bess

[Pchandler]

I've never shot a BB before in my life so I'm just learning the finer points of it. Seeing as I do not wish to blow myself up, I figured when it comes to powder, I should probably ask someone first.

I've heard afew different things regarding BP substitutes. Some say don't use them in any repro weapon others say it doesn't matter. But these were guys that don't own flintlocks, let alone Brown Bess or similar era weapons. So, I figured I'd hop on here and ask. What do you guys think regarding the BP powder substitutes?

 

[wahkahchimaol.com]

My less than 2 cents: I use FFG in my Pedersoli Bess. Seems to work just as well as anything. Please stay in touch with your results.

 

[rdrash]

You need Real black powder for the pan and the main charge. 3 or 4fg for the pan and 2 or 3fg for the main charge. Some people put 10 grains of real bp down the barrel then fallow it up with the substitute powder. I would say just use real bp. Hope this helps.

Trevor

 

[Dan Hogue]

I Prime and load with 2f goex. Real BP only. Dont waste your time or money getting frustrated with a substitute. I use 90 to 100 grains in a paper cartridge. Blanks for reenacting, and with ball at shoots.

 

[Spikebuck]

I do not wish to blow myself up,

Some say don't use them in any repro weapon

You wouldn't have to worry about blowing anything up with Black Powder substitutes (assuming normal charges). That would be an issue if you used smokeless powder.

Even Hodgen (makers of several of the substitutes) recommends a small amount of real black powder down the barrel first if using a substitute in a flintlock. More trouble than I would want to go through, hence what everyone else said here...use real BP in a flintlock.

However, in a percussion you could use real BP or a substitute successfully.

 

[Grizzled Roberts]

With using a duplex load of black powder on the breach and pan, you already have to get black powder anyway so....there you are.

 

[spudnut]

I agree with most of the board,Don't bother with the fake black powder.I use 90 grains 2F in the main charge and prime with it also(Most gun ranges frown on priming from a cartridge THEN loading the gun)I use a goodly ammount of prime too as the pan is pretty big, not overflowing but don't skimp.Use a correct size flint,basicly with a cutting edge as wide as the frizzen face and when at half cock it should almost touch the face.As long as its loaded proper and not over charged you'll be ok,Thats a hefty gun.

 

[paulvallandigham]

You need to understand WHY we only use real Black Powder in flintlocks.

All the substitutes ignite(burn) at a higher temperature than does black powder. Some of the ignition temperatures of the substitute powders require the use of "Magnum #11 cap", while others require the use of either "Musket caps", or shotgun primers in guns we don't discuss on this forum to ignite them.

Where percussion guns INJECT a hot flame into these powders to ignite them, a flintlock simply cannot, and does not do this.

Therefore, we use Black Powder, with its lower ignition temperature, in flintlocks. :thumbsup: There really is no choice when shooting flintlocks. :hmm:

 

[Captain outwater]

Only BP will reliably ingnite in the pan using a flintlock. Subsitutes are made to be lit off using some kind of cap.
The problem is not safety- Subs and BP are made to be used interchangeably--EXCEPT in the pan of a flintlock. Subs just don't work well.

 

[Pchandler]

Thanks for responding everyone, learn something new everyday! Finally found a place that sells actual black powder, bout an hour away by car so I guess someones making a road trip.

 

[RADeO]

Thanks for responding everyone, learn something new everyday! Finally found a place that sells actual black powder, bout an hour away by car so I guess someones making a road trip.

Be sure to buy more than you think you'll need. You are fixin' to have so much fun you will be amazed at how fast that powder disappears! :grin:

 

[aeatwood]

...and once you are REALLY hooked, you can order it from Graf's, or Jack's Powder Keg, etc 25 lbs at a time. Really cuts down on the cost per pound.

 

[Pchandler]

Yeah well...unfortunetly I'm living off of VA disability so I can't afford a lot right now. So I bought a pound of it. I don't expect to have many opportunities this month to go shooting so, I will have to make do with my single pound.

Even still I am sooo excited to finally be getting into the hobby.