Schutzen 3F thoughts

[Togo]

I bought a 12lbs of 3f Schuetzen from Grafs last year when they were doing the no haz and free shipping. I too only use GOEX but I was down to my last pound and started to panic. I had to up my charge by 10gr to get the same GOEX results, but it works great. Last fall 2023 at Friendship GOEX delivered a large shipment so I stocked up on that weekend, unfortunately this fall at Friendship they didn't have any 3F GOEX, the rep said they were getting some in on that Thursday but I was leaving that day so it didn't work out.

 

[David Veale]

I should try the neatsfoot oil. Are you using the real McCoy or compound?

I get the 32 degrees. Grew up in the UP.

I use neatsfoot as well. Would recommend avoiding the "compound", which is largely mineral oil. If you wanted to use that, just buy mineral oil for a couple bucks a pint at the pharmacy (which is what I regularly use on my unmentionables). As I understand it, many of the commercial "gun oil" brands are really just mineral oil with a scent added (such as anise for Ballistol if I remember correctly).

 

[PEARL DRUMS]

I should try the neatsfoot oil. Are you using the real McCoy or compound?

I get the 32 degrees. Grew up in the UP.

I use the real deal. A fella on here, don't remember who, said it performs well in the cold. So I switched over. Haven't hunted with it yet. I probably use too much per patch. But, it loads nice and shoots nice. Cleaning is cleaning in my book. I enjoy cleaning my rifle nearly as much as shooting it. Its a good feeling knowing everything is in order when I grab it off the rack.

 

[longcruise]

I use the real deal. A fella on here, don't remember who, said it performs well in the cold. So I switched over. Haven't hunted with it yet. I probably use too much per patch. But, it loads nice and shoots nice. Cleaning is cleaning in my book. I enjoy cleaning my rifle nearly as much as shooting it. Its a good feeling knowing everything is in order when I grab it off the rack.

Thanks, I appreciate the information. I think I have some of the real stuff somewhere. I remember reminding myself to get more for the winter "leather season".

 

[hanshi]

I bought several pounds of Graf's nearly 2 years ago and have been shooting it along with a supply of old Goex. I've never bought Schuetzen unless it was in the Graf's cans. I have a little bit of Swiss 3F and really like it in my .32 SMR. I have yet to come across a "clean" black powder brand.

 

[Omahkapi'si]

I tried my hand at Schuetzen powder again this morning. I changed up a few things: .480 ball instead of .490, 60 grains powder instead of 50, .015 patch instead of .010.

Better results, hit steel at 50 yds off hand a few times. In all fairness it's not the powder, as most of you likely guessed anyways. I have this flintlock dialed right in at 50 yds from a rest, so I know it shoots just fine. It has to be the shooter, something I'm doing whether it's a small flinch, not relaxed breathing, or whatever. But the good news is, those things can be remedied, and I got on target several times this morning. Relieved because I have lots of Schuetzen powder and easy to get more.

 

[jambuster]

I use neatsfoot as well. Would recommend avoiding the "compound", which is largely mineral oil. If you wanted to use that, just buy mineral oil for a couple bucks a pint at the pharmacy (which is what I regularly use on my unmentionables). As I understand it, many of the commercial "gun oil" brands are really just mineral oil with a scent added (such as anise for Ballistol if I remember correctly).

You know I just bought some 100% pure castor oil to try. I was also going to try avocado oil. One of the other guys on this forum said avocado oil had had high temperature stability. The TOW mink oil i have been using works fine. I just like experimenting with stuff.

 

[Mad L]

"Schutzen 3F thoughts"​

It's good stuff, I use 3f in my 45cal and less, 2f in my 50cal and up.
Schuetzen I use the same load as I do GOEX but Swiss I lower the charge about 15%.

My thoughts, my preferences:
Swiss is best
Schuetzen seems to cost less then GOEX now but used to be the other way round.

I have not purchased any of the 'new' GOEX so I can't speak to it.
I do however still have a couple pounds of OE, I really like it but with them not making it any more; I just like looking at two full cans of it and dread the day I break down and use it up.

 

[Omahkapi'si]

I changed stuff up today and got good Schuetzen results at 50-75 yds off hand with 70 grains of 3fg, a 480 ball and 010 patch. I’ll shoot that again tomorrow and see how it goes. Seemed to be a formula my flinter liked.