Its time to order black powder again and I was thinking about getting some 3f along with my normal 2f of Goex. What could be some advantages of 3f over 2f? Does it depend on barrel length? Bullet type? First off is 3f safe in My sidelock .54 caliber guns? Is it better for inlines? lots of questions, looking for input from someone who uses it, Thanks

I use the 3f when shooting faster twist barrels and conical bullets. But some rifles I find shoot best with the old 2f. All you can do is try.

I have been using 3f in my .50 cal. Hawkins 1 in 48 inch twist barrel for 20 years and have had no problems safety wise. Be sure to reduce your load by 10 percent when switching to 3f. 100 grains 2f = 90 grains 3f. THERE IS NOTHING I HAVE READ THAT SAYS THIS IS A SAFE PRACTICE. The only reason I have been told for doing this is to reduce fouling. So if you decide to switch, do it at your own risk.

All I use is 3F in my .54 sidelocks. 60 gr for target. 90 gr for elk hunting.

less fouling? does 3f burn cleaner or just because you use less of it?

Both...Over 50% of black powder is left as residue, some blows out the barrel and some is left in...Since the grains in FFF are smaller, they burn faster and more complete, since it takes less to reach the same velocities less fouling is left in the bore...

I used FF Goex in my .54 for a few years back when many thought the standard was FFF for .45 and under and FF for .50 and over...We now know this isn't true...I switched to 80grs FFF Goex in my .54 flinter years ago...I also use it in my inline and as priming for my flinters...