FFFFg dilemma
 

I have been unable to locate any FFFFg powder to prime my flintlock from any source reasonably close (40-50 miles). I really don't want to pay HazMat fees for shipping. One source (which sells FFg and FFFg, but not FFFFg due to little demand) suggested using mortar and pestle (which I have) to grind a larger size down. I have tried that, and get what appears to be a mixture of mostly very fine powder and some remaining coarser grains. The final product ignites my gun, but I seem to get a greater amount of the larger grains being dispensed from my primer than the finer powder. This also seems to produce a slightly longer lock time which is not good for accuracy. Do I just need to spend more time grinding to get a more uniform powder? Can I expect the finer powder to reduce the lock time?

yes the finer powder has more surface to catch spark so they will be prone to ignite, but you might not notice a speed increase, even so slight. If you have 3f powder, use that in the pan. It works fine in the pan. In fact in damp weather I use 3f instead of 4f powder in the lock pan. If you want to grind some powder, do small amounts and keep that separate and don't use it as a main charge and you will be fine.

In the larger military muskets they even use 2f as primer. All of them will fire and the difference in lock speed is not that much.

Doc, I've never used FFFFg in either of my two flinters. So I can't really say whether it would reduce your lock time.

I use GOEX FFFg for most of my loads and use it in the pan also. Works fine and is mighty fast. I've also used FFg in the pan when I was out of FFFg and could not really swear I could tell much difference.

One trick for grinding powder finer is to put some in a small plastic bottle with a few balls and shake it back and forth.

Just use FFF as both a main charge and prime...With a good lock and touch hole setup you should never know the difference...

It's too bad shipping restrictions are the way they are. I have more than a 1.5 pounds of 4f I don't have any need for. I no longer have a pistol to use it in and I don't have a flint lock. If you can figure out a way to get it, let me know.