Priming with 3F

[Gene Perryman]

I use whatever is handy 2FF or 3FFF. If my flint is good and sharp instant ignition !!!

 

[Sidney Smith]

I've got a little less than half a can of 4fg left. I've been using this same can for probably 20 years. Once it's gone, I doubt I'll buy 4fg again. I've got some time to think about it though.

 

[satwel]

I use one of the round brass pan primers with the plunger tip. Works just as well with 3F as it does with 4F. The key is to disassemble and clean it on a regular basis otherwise the plunger spout will stop working.

 

[BuffaloSoldier]

Currently waiting to get my rifle back from gunsmith, never shot blackpowder before. Hope one minds me ghosting this conversation for information. Thanks for all the good info. BuffaloSoldier

 

[Rod Man]

I have found that my Lyman prefers 4f to get things going. I have a Traditions "Trapper" that tends to be more reliable with 4f as well. I also have a "Siler" locked pistol that will go off with almost anything you put in the pan including synthetics. I should be receiving my TVM here in a few days, I suspect 3f will work just fine with it as well.

RM

 

[leonard5054]

Sorry I didn't make myself clear. Yes I was planning on using 3f for both the main charge and the pan but what I wanted to know is what are people using to prime the pan? From what I read the "pan primers" work with 4f but I don't see any where that they will work with 3f. Or are people just not using "pan primers" and pouring directly into the pan from the powder horn (which seems incredibly unsafe) or using something else to put 3f into the pan.
I hope that clears up what I'm asking.

 

[leonard5054]

I use 3f in my pan primer,works fine.

 

[springfield art]

I'm just curious I'm getting my first flintlock soon and only have 3f powder. So just in case I can't find 4f I need to use 3f what are people who are using 3f using for pan primers? Thanks I'm sure I'll have more questions. Thanks

It's fine! Frontier people didn't have access to 4 grades of Black Powder, they just used whatever was at hand, and were glad to have it. 3F is fine!

 

[cornstalk]

I’ve got some pyrodex. I shoot it in a flint lock. So I throw a kicker of black down it first. I have one of the little two ounce flask, and that works well

I've got a couple of pounds of pyrodex that I thought was unusable, the kicker is a great idea. Has anyone tried mixing Pyrodex with Black Powder? Would a mix be able to ignite or does the Black Powder need to go in by itself?

 

[tenngun]

No, difference density weight per volume the dense black settles to the base of the of the container so when it’s mixed in a few days it’s black at the bottom and pyrodex at the top

 

[Brokennock]

I wonder if the o.p. regrets asking by now.
I'm too lazy to count the number of total replies and compare to the number that actually address his real question.
Which was not, "will something other than 4f work as priming powder?"

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

I use 3f for my charge and the same for the pan, never had a problem!

 

[GREENSWLDE]

Grain sizes for priming ?? Each grain of powder has a number of facets. Therefore the smaller the grains for the same weight of priming the more facets you present to roughly the same number of sparks. Surely this reduces the chances of missfire ?? I have always used the finest powder I can get, No.1 (European) Black Silver or Swiiss when possible. Both polished powders. There is a Swiss grain finer than No.1 that many International Clay shooters use these days. The ignition time is as fast as a Capgun. OLD DOG..

 

[Flintlock Whiskey]

I've got a little less than half a can of 4fg left. I've been using this same can for probably 20 years. Once it's gone, I doubt I'll buy 4fg again. I've got some time to think about it though.

Been experimenting myself. The way I see it, I have a pennys worth less than a pound of 4f and it will probably last the rest of my life.

 

[Flintlock Whiskey]

Don't roll your eyes at this question, but has anyone ever mixed their 4f with something else to make it last longer?

Another question: has anyone tried to use Pyrodex in the pan and with what results?
Last question: has anyone used Pyrodex as the main charge in a flintlock and with what results?

 

[Woody Morgan]

Pyrodex in a flinter sucks...in the pan or main charge. If you're going to use it for the main charge, back it up with about ten grains of black under it to ensure it goes off.
If you are going to use Pyrodex in the pan...just don't. It doesn't light well with just sparks.

wm

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I use only one horn to prime and to carry powder for the main charge, and it's loaded with 3Fg.

LD

 

[ord sgt]

The next time I go to the rifle range, I'm going to try 2fg in the pan with my .54 caliber. I've heard that even 2fg in the pan will ignite quickly.

I use FFg as the barrel charge and also FFg goes in the pan of my .69 calibre Charleville. It does work.

 

[Mulebrain]

The only reason I prime with 4f, is so I can use it up. Will never buy it again

 

[oncewas]

Okay well I went to Buffalo Arms and bought 9 cans of Goex 3F and one can of 4F so I'll have some to give it a try. Again thanks for all the input whether it was on typic or off on your own,