Swiss BP

[thompson50]

Okay I have a question for all you that have been at this a while. I recently switch to Swiss after years of using Goex. Said everyone… Now Swiss makes two different kinds of powder. The black powder we are all use to and the caviar. I hear the Caviar is for the BP cartridge shooters. Can this be safely used in a muzzleloader with a patch and ball?

 

[rafterob]

Yes it can. It is more expensive, and Swiss is already at the top of that list.

 

[Bassdog1]

I have both and use them as the same I see no difference other than price.

 

[Dixieshedhunter]

Where are you buying this? Whoops. I see now. I guess the rumors of BP unavailability are greatly exaggerated.

Pete Davis

 

[Notchy Bob]

I have not tried the "Caviar." It appears to be 1.5 Fg, which would be pretty coarse. The manufacturer's website indicates it should be used in rifles of .45 caliber or greater. The Buffalo Arms website states it "meters better in your powder measure" than regular black powder, which, I guess, is why it would appeal to the BP cartridge shooters for reloading. I think the now obsolete Olde Eynsford 1.5 Fg was also intended for the BP cartridge shooters, but one of our forum members did some testing with it in a Hawken-style rifle with very good results.

I think the consensus is that it won't hurt anything to shoot it in your muzzleloader, but with the relatively coarse granulation, I would expect it to burn a little slower than the 2F or 3F that most people use. However, I have not tried it.

Notchy Bob

 

[Steve Martin]

Yes, it can but why would you? I Use Swiss 3F for pretty much EVERYTHING including priming. Works great, a LOT less powder grades to carry around and keep in stock and I would never consider going back to using various grades of powder for my different caliber flintlocks when they ALL work great on Swiss 3F. I do use the Swiss 2F in my .75 caliber Brown Bess musket but otherwise I use exclusively Swiss 3F powder.

 

[thompson50]

It’s really not that coarse. I have always shot Goex and recently went to Swiss. I was at a BP shot one weekend this summer and the shooter next to me let me try some, like that I was sold. I use the 11/2 F in my .62 Hawken.

 

[Travis186]

Have talked to several fellow BPCR competitors about caviar and the consensus it's not worth the extra coin over standard Swiss 1.5. I have tried, but not worked up a load, Swiss 1.5 in my 58 cal front stuffers and it ignites fine.

 

[William Lincoln]

Caviar ball was offered in several fineness grades. I think the idea is greater
uniform burn rates. Surface area to combust is key. For general use, I vote
for basic good inexpensive powder. I do not want to be price-conscious when
doing something I love. Where is my Graf's private label?

 

[Cattywompuss]

Yes, it can but why would you? I Use Swiss 3F for pretty much EVERYTHING including priming. Works great, a LOT less powder grades to carry around and keep in stock and I would never consider going back to using various grades of powder for my different caliber flintlocks when they ALL work great on Swiss 3F. I do use the Swiss 2F in my .75 caliber Brown Bess musket but otherwise I use exclusively Swiss 3F powder.

Funnily enough, while ordering a few more pounds tonight, I almost got a pound of 2f, and realized I only use it in my smooth 20ga. Decided I had enough and just got another lb of 4f for priming. Never used Swiss 4f to prime so we'll see if it's worth 10 more dollars than Schuetzen.

 

[Woody Morgan]

Caviar ball was offered in several fineness grades. I think the idea is greater
uniform burn rates. Surface area to combust is key. For general use, I vote
for basic good inexpensive powder. I do not want to be price-conscious when
doing something I love. Where is my Graf's private label?

One of the reasons I like to use Swiss.

wm

 

[B P Maniac Shooter]

I stlll have 3 pounds of Goex left & quit shooting it after trying Schuetzen & Swiss.
My guns cleans up a lot easier using Swiss 1st, Schuetzen 2nd & Goex last.
Swiss is my go to powder anymore.

 

[Woody Morgan]

I stlll have 3 pounds of Goex left & quit shooting it after trying Schuetzen & Swiss.
My guns cleans up a lot easier using Swiss 1st, Schuetzen 2nd & Goex last.
Swiss is my go to powder anymore.

See? Even movie stars use Swiss!

wm

 

[jim mencken]

is it ok for 44 revolvers??

 

[thompson50]

I stlll have 3 pounds of Goex left & quit shooting it after trying Schuetzen & Swiss.
My guns cleans up a lot easier using Swiss 1st, Schuetzen 2nd & Goex last.
Swiss is my go to powder anymore.

Likewise! I also have about 8 pounds of Goex left. Shoots great at paper, have to burn it somehow

 

[Woody Morgan]

is it ok for 44 revolvers??

I use 3f Swiss in my ROA. Works fine.

wm

 

[jim mencken]

ok will give it a shot thanks

 

[springfield art]

ok will give it a shot thanks

You will give it a "shot"? Pun intended!

 

[jim mencken]

yup

 

[hanshi]

Swiss is costly enough to generally be out of or at least at the very borderline of my reach $$. But I do still have half a pound of Swiss 3F. I tried it in my .32 and really like it for that purpose. With only a little bit left the .32 - maybe try it in the .36 eventually - is about the only rifle I'll use it in.