Which Powder and How Much?

[Rat Trapper]

The thinking behind 3f vs 2f as I understand it is: 1. same vel with less powder
2. burns some what cleaner
3. when using a powder measure loads will be
more uniform
4. More loads per can saves money
5. when using 3f remember to reduce the load
as 3f powder will have higher pressure
6. In the end you have to go with what your
rifle likes

 

[Snakebite]

Howdy. I have a Hawken halfstock, .54cal that I've been shooting since 1979. It has a 34" Douglas XX barrel. At 100yds + or for deer hunting I use 120grs. of FF. Last time I shot it the wind was blowing about 15-20mph and I was still hitting center. At 50yrds I pour 75grs and at 25yrds I pour 50grs. I shoot a .535 round ball with pillow ticking lubed with mink oil. That is what the guy who made the rifle suggested and it has always worked for me.
"Snakebite"

 

[Dave Rosenthal]

I too have a Trade Rifle, and though I'm not an expert, my son and I have won many a competition with FFFg and a 370 gr. T/C Maxi-Ball. We use nothing but 70 gr. charges of Goex. We can shoot a whole box (20) Maxi's and only have to brush the bore maybe once. The FFFg burns hotter & faster, more like 80-85 gr. of FFg, but with a lot less crud, easier clean-up, more consistant shot placement, and never a missfire (if I remember to cap-off again after I brush). I chrono'd this load at 1394 fps...that's a power factor of 499. It will surely knock-down what ever I aim it at, of that you can be sure!! :winking: