What brand of powder to start with ?

[LaneC]

Hello all.
I have been doing my homework and I am wondering which type of powder is preferred. I am new to this and I am so thankful there is an American company making powder. I was very proud to find out how long they have been doing it and that there are 2 types.(at least) My question would be, should one start out with the Ole Aynseford or the regular Goex? No gun yet but probably a .60 cal. fowler. As usual any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[jamesthomas]

Just my personal experience but I would get the Olde Ensford powder myself. To me the fouling is "moister?" than Goex an KIK powders and there fore makes loading and the clean up afterwards easier also. Check out my thread about "Shooting with out wiping". I tried regular Goex a long time ago and it was the same as the KIK powder for me.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

There are several good powders on the market, and Diamondback is NOT one of them...very dirty.

I buy GOEX products, simply because I want a company located inside the Continental United States that makes powder to continue in business...as it's tougher to restrict the supply when it's not imported. I have had great success with the standard GOEX product as well, so no reason to switch.

LD

 

[azmntman]

Have only ever shot Goex here. Made in USA is good reason to not try Swiss like I been planning. Isn't Ole Eynseford a Goex "premium" powder? Is it any better (notably) than regular Goex? I've never had issues with regular ol Goex but am open to trying it if its better (or cleaner?).

 

[Rifleman1776]

I note the others loyalty to American made powders. Cannot fault that, I', buy American loyal also. However, we do have a long history of buying guns and powders from Europe and I'm OK with those products. You can't go wrong with Goex. OE is reportedly great stuff as is Swiss. Pick one and stick with it. If you can buy a case you will save some money with a little lower price, haz mat, etc. Plus, if prices go up you might not have to buy for a while. Enjoy.

 

[Lorne Johnson]

In a 60 cal fowler there will be no functional increase in accuracy between Goex and Old Aynesford. The Aynesford may well be cleaner. As I remember, the Aynesford is significantly more expensive. Using 100 rounds per pound as a ball park estimate you can figure out what the difference in price over time would be. I use kik in SxS shotguns a lot, 1500 to 2000 rounds a year (mostly on clay targets). So, I pay attention to cost. For the past 3 years or so, I have been using Kik, I've also used Goex and Grafs, and find them to be very similar. In all but one of my shotguns, I have no problem with loading without wiping for 16 rounds per barrel, and can go to 25 or 30 with a small nuisance factor. Never tried more than that. This is my experience, there are other, often very successful, methods employed by others.

 

[Rifleman1776]

the Aynesford is significantly more expensive

As with Swiss, it does costmore per pound but may not be any more expensive to use. Both are 'hotter' and require less to use than others like Goex. The actual 'cost' of use, IMHO is a wash.

 

[LaneC]

AZMNTMAN, Yes Ole Eynsford is a Goex powder. That is why I was wondering which was better, because I would like to stick with one of those if the gun likes it and if it is cleaner or any other advantages. I sure appreciate all the comments, tips, suggestions etc. I think I messed up and said a .60 caliber. I think the 20 gauge fowler is a .62 caliber. Like I say ,I am just learning this so thanks for being patient.

 

[hanshi]

Let's see. I've used Dupont, G-O, Diamondback (when it was called "Elephant"), Goex and Jacks Battle Powder (JBP). I was quite satisfied with all of them but really do like JBP. JBP is made by Goex as is OE. JBP cost less than regular Goex but only comes in 3F. That's alright since 3F is what I use for everything. The first two powders are no longer produced, Diamondback is Brazilian and I'm not sure if it's any better than than it use to be. Goex, JBP and OE are all American made and make a good place to start.

 

[LaneC]

Thanks a bunch. I will check those out also.

 

[BigBoreBLR]

I don't use smoothbores. But, I can imagine one preferring 2f for bigger bores.

However, if ordering online, pick up a can of 3f and one can of 4f incase you want to dabble with other calibers and ignition types.

3f will work fine in flintlocks for priming. Although I use 4f during competition and hunting.

Goex has done well by me. I've only used 3f and 4f for the pan. I do have a tin of 2f, but haven't opened it up yet.

I'd order goex again once I'm low. They sell them in plastic tins now instead of the old steel ones. No better or worse, just lacks the nostalgic of the old tin.

 

[White Oak]

Always used Goex and had no issues with it. Tried Olde E when it came out and love it. Is cleaner in my opinion and I have been able to reduce my loads slightly. The price difference on my last order from Graf & Sons was only $1.00 per pound. You'll be happy with either powder but for the slight price difference I would give the edge to Olde E.
Take care,
ED

 

[Rat Trapper]

I use Goex is some of my rifles, but only triple Seven 2F in my hunting rifles. Both work well, just use what the rifle likes best.

 

[MSW]

fowlers tend to be a bit more 'forgiving' than rifles in their likes and dislikes, but I would recommend that you buy a can of each and see which one works best in your particular gun ... then get a boatload of the stuff (you can usually cut a better deal if you buy in bulk, and you don't have to pay the HazMat fee a zillion tines if you're having it shipped)

one guy's free advice, doubtless worth the cost :rotf:

make good smoke!

 

[Billnpatti]

In today's market, the best powder is the one you can get. There is no advantage in recommend power X over powder Y if you can't get powder X where you live. When it comes to black powder, you just buy what you can find.....if you can find it. In some areas, it is unavailable and you have to settle for substitute powders and that is unfortunate because they just don't work in a flintlock. If you go to Friendship, you will have several different brands from which to choose. My personal favorite is Goex.

 

[LaneC]

Thanks for the replies. I like the idea of finding what shoots good and the try to stock up, Thanks for the input.

 

[nkbj]

Jacks Battle. Talk to the judge in Louisiana. He's a nice guy. Made a point of dropping in and meeting him while on an assignment over there. Almost time to go back if I get the opportunity.

 

[Drago]

+1 on Jacks BP, also 3.00 lb cheaper by the case