Powder Question
 

Question,

I am using a 50 cal Traditions 50 cal ml. i am using 2f smokeless powder in the barrel and using 4f black powder in the pan. is this ok, or should i be using all black powder. i like to use 2 in the barrel and 4 in the pan...any input?

Thanks,

KC

Smoke less powder? i hope not!! NEVER USE SMOKELESS POWDER IN ANY MUZZLELOADER ! not designed for it.WHICH A FLINT LOCK IS NOT!

You really don't mean smokeless powder I hope? No smokeless powder in a muzzleloader. Now if you're shooting 2f black powder.. that is fine.

In his post,he asks if he should use all Black powder!! that's why i typed what i did lol.

Yikes I hope not.

NO NO NO do not use smokeless powder in your muzzleloader of any kind unless you what to get heart are killed this is a no no

I'm with you guys. But he may be using BH209 or Balck MZ. And with a flintlock, I don't think either one is a good idea. He will not get reliable if any ignition. I would suggest you use all black powder. Something like Goex.

I am not mistaken that should be stamped on the barrel: "Black Powder Only."

Hey PAHUNTER, I know you said you're using "2F smokeless powder" in the barrel, but I don't think there's any such thing as a smokeless powder that's graded or labeled 2F. So I assume you're using an approved black powder substitute like Triple Seven FF.

If that's the case and you're getting good ignition then everything is fine. If you're getting poor ignition with delayed fire or frequent flashes in the pan without ignition of the main charge, you will find real black powder (I use GOEX) a vast improvement. You should not be able to distinguish a delay between the pan flash and ignition of the charge - i.e. no Whoosh-Bang, just BANG.

Yeah Semi I am thinking that's what he meant too. I dont think I have ever seen real smokeless powder labeled as "F"- as in 2F. I'm thinking KC meant to say substitute- as in black powder substitute versus real blackpowder.

maybe he did use smokeless powder......thats why he has not responded yet....

I was thinking the same thing :action-smiley-099:

Sorry i did not respond sooner guys. i dont get on here much with work and my family. I probably should have been clearer...I am using 2f triple 7 in the barrel and 4f black powder in the pan...Sorry. It is not smokeles powder. I was wondering if I should use all black powder. I have a good delay in the fireand was wondering if switching to all black powder would help with that and possibly accuracy...

Thanks Alot, be safe

3 FFF black in the barrel will give better faster ignition.

While some flintlocks brag that they can shoot sub powders like triple seven, especially pellets, I am not surprised you had delayed fire. Load real black powder. You will find much faster and more positive ignition,

If you want to shoot subs, duplex the load with 20 grains of black powder first.

I haven't been able to find 4f bp locally, and can't afford to pay the hasmat fees on mail order. So I have been using 3f in the pan of my .54 Cabelas. Works good. If I use Pyrodox in the barrel I have to use 5 or 10 gr. 3f kicker and then 80 gr. of R/S. Otherwise just plain ole 2f. Real bp is not available around here, but found some at a gun show. Not many shows either, so I have to pay attention for them. So far I am not at all satisfied with the shot groups, so have to keep trying. LOL

If you can't get FFFFG for the pan, just use FFFG. I have used both, and really don't see a difference. Actually I use FFFG as the main charge also. Think about it, the early settlers, and military did not carry two different powders. One type of powder was all that was needed. This post refers to REAL black powder, not the subs.

Mustanger
If you have any rock quarries near by see if they can sell you a pound of flowered blasting powder. I got some many years ago when a quarry went bankrupt and it is the best pan powder I have ever come across. It is very fine high grade black powder that does not have the graphite in it that is put in our black powder to make it pour better.