Re: MtMan-List: Black Powder

[mxhbc@TTACS.TTU.EDU (Henry B. Crawford)]

>I find it hard to believe that there were 4 grades of powder
>back then.
>Any ideas?
>
>Thanks for your time and thoughts.
>
>Pilgrim JD

The four grades were either developed or perfected by du Pont in the first
decade of the 19th century.  At any rate, the four grades were known by the
time of the War of 1812.  As for what to shoot, conventional wisdom says
that 2f is bewst for calibers of 45 or above, and 3f for 45 or below.
Obviously 45 is the borderline.  I shoot 2f in my .45-70 reloads and mu .45
frontstuffers, incl. my .45 CVA pistol.   My .44 and .36 revolvers get 3f,
but I have used 2f in a pinch.

I have heard of shooters getting good results from using 3f in calibers
larger than 45, so if he says he does, why not believe it.

Experiment, and do what's best for you.

HBC

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