Re: MtMan-List: Black Powder

[NaugaMok@aol.com]

In a message dated 98-11-11 00:41:56 EST, you write:

<< Along the shooting line I heard a skinner claim that he liked to shoot
 fff in his 54 cal.  I, being the novice, asked why.  He claimed that it
 shot cleaner and he used less powder.  
 Is this a good idea? >>

You are correct in your statement that 3F creates more pressure because of
it's faster burn rate.  A lot of us use 3F in our .50's & .54's for target
loads.  For example, in my .54 Dixie Poor Boy (it's been re-barreled for those
who don't like Dixie's origional Japanese barrel -- I didn't either!) with 2F,
my best accuracy for target load is 65 gr.  Our club has a lot of people who
are just starting out & are shooting those Lyman GP's, T/C's, CVA's & the
like, so we have a range limit of 60 gr of powder for safety's sake.  To stay
in compliance with that rule, I shoot 55 gr of 3F & get simular accuracy --
plus the side benefit of easier cleaning.  For heavy hunting loads, I still
use 2F for the pressure reasons you stated.  Someone mentioned not exceeding
90 gr of 3F in .54 cal -- I'd agree with that IF you have a good American made
custom barrel with a good breech system.  

Did you happen to catch the History Channel's show on the development of black
powder?  That explained a lot about the development of our prefered propelant.
After the discovery of "corning", powder was shipped in cakes & ground to
whatever granulation was desired as I understand it -- I missed the show, so
this is second hand -- maybe someone who saw it can explain better.

NM