Tried 3F today

[The Baron]

After about 4 weeks without shooting (too hot!) I got to the range this morning and tried 3Fg in my .62 Caywood for the first time. I only tested one PRB combo, and tried 60gr. 3F first at 25 yards. The point of impact was good, so I moved back to 50 yards with the same load. Grouping was not bad, with impact about 4" low and good for windage. I tried 70gr. 3F and that put the impact right where I wanted at 50 yards. So far, I'm pleased with results using 3F. Groups are no better than FFg just yet, but I have yet to experiment with patch/ball combo, so it looks promising. The balls I used today were cast by a friend and run anywhere from 0.600" to about 0.610". Due to their inconsistency, I'm burning them up at the range. I did notice fouling was a bit less noticeable with the 3F than with FFg. As well, I primed several of the shots with 3F and ignition seemed just as fast as with 4F - that could be a very handy feature!

I also got a bottle of Ballistol and it seemed to do a great job at cleaning time.

 

[Liver eatin’ Johnson]

FFFg is all I ever use now for everything I shoot and I agree that the fowling seems to be more manageable.

 

[WV_Hillbilly]

After about 4 weeks without shooting (too hot!) I got to the range this morning and tried 3Fg in my .62 Caywood for the first time. I only tested one PRB combo, and tried 60gr. 3F first at 25 yards. The point of impact was good, so I moved back to 50 yards with the same load. Grouping was not bad, with impact about 4" low and good for windage. I tried 70gr. 3F and that put the impact right where I wanted at 50 yards. So far, I'm pleased with results using 3F. Groups are no better than FFg just yet, but I have yet to experiment with patch/ball combo, so it looks promising. The balls I used today were cast by a friend and run anywhere from 0.600" to about 0.610". Due to their inconsistency, I'm burning them up at the range. I did notice fouling was a bit less noticeable with the 3F than with FFg. As well, I primed several of the shots with 3F and ignition seemed just as fast as with 4F - that could be a very handy feature!

I also got a bottle of Ballistol and it seemed to do a great job at cleaning time.

Use what works best for you. Also you were wise to NOT go shooting in the very HOT weather. Too many strange problems can occur for both the gun and for you. Just make sure to keep close watch for significant changes. If it works in the warmer weather, it should also work in the colder weather as well.

Safe Shooting!
WV_Hillbilly

 

[Nightwind]

I have a heavy Colerain smooth barrel in 28 gauge (54 cal.), 42" octagon to round taper and flared. In hot weather, I don't even bother to get it out shooting because of the terrible mirage problems. The front sight is back about four inches and is only about 1/8 in tall. But boy does it shoot good with 3f, both as a primer and main charge. Dropped two running bucks with it two years ago.

 

[arcticap]

I'm wondering at what type of store you found & bought the ballistol?

 

[The Baron]

I'm wondering at what type of store you found & bought the ballistol?

I ordered a can of it from TOTW. :winking:

 

...from what I have read Ballistol is basically mineral oil with a propellent. Save your $$$ and just buy food grade mineral oil in the grocery or drug store. :results:

 

[cptleo1]

Mike,

Get your self a jug of Ballistol.

The stuff is great. If you don't like it

I will buy it from you.

I clean my BP guns with 10 % ballistrol & 90% water.

I don't think I would want to try that with mineral oil.

The stuff really is good.

If you like I will send you some to try.

Leo

 

[Pittsburghunter]

This is my first post on the smoothbore forum because I do not own one. I have uses the Balistol oil on one gun only so far I bought the oil at a local gun shop and it was about the same price as everything else.

I have used it on my New Army revolver with great results and will not hesitate to use it on others. I also have used it on some leather and seemed fine there as well.

As they say :results:

 

[flint62]

Try cutting the Ballistol 3-2 with water and use it as a patch lube. I shoot a 62 cal smoothie, pillow tick patch and the fore mentioned lube. 75 gr. 3f and at 50 yards this gun will shoot 3 inch groups all day.
For cleaning we all use Windex, the green kind, between shots and after shooting the cleanup is a snap.

nothing like a smoothie!