2F vs 3F

[hatchetman]

I was reading the other day about a guy that as using 3F to load his BP rifle instead of 2F.  He said that in his case it was more accurate.  I know that you must cut back when you go from 2F to 3F.  Anybody know what the conversion is?  Thanks!

Hatchetman

[RandyWakeman]

There is no fixed "conversion"-- a chronograph will tell you if you are loading to the same velocity, if that is what is sought.

The "more accurate" comment gets attention-- but "much" more accurate is usually a question mark. I do find it very slightly more accureate in Triple 7 FFFg and Pyrodex "P" forms (in rifles that allow it), and attribute the "accuracy" to more accurate volumetric measuring.

[Thomas Krupinski]

It is essentially the difference between using a slow burning powder and a fast burning powder and the relative pressure curve.  

The weight of the projectile and bore of the rifle will determine which projectile is most accurate with which powder.

[The Cast Bullet Kid]

Generally load 80% of 3Fg in portion to 2Fg.
EG: 80gr of 3Fg and 100gr 2Fg.
Also depends on the brand.
If you burn 100gr Elephant 2Fg and change to Swiss 3Fg I would burn only 65gr, maybe 70gr.

[mamaflinter]

Generally load 80% of 3Fg in portion to 2Fg.
EG: 80gr of 3Fg and 100gr 2Fg.
Also depends on the brand.
If you burn 100gr Elephant 2Fg and change to Swiss 3Fg I would burn only 65gr, maybe 70gr.

If you are going to use Swiss it is not recommended to use 3fg in any caliber over .45. This is some hot powder and you will have more accuracy, less fouling as a result of shooting this powder.

[Super Rat]

As you know rifles are a law "unto" themselves, and what works best in a paticular rifle might be different that what "should" work best. FFFg will sometimes work better in a bore that "should" work best with a more coarse powder. And then mixing brands of powders confuses things even further.

Case in point: I have large bore musket (.75") that "should" work best with Fg. But, with Goex, Fg doesn't work worth dog-doo, FFFg does. However, I got some Swiss FFg, and that works best yet.

Then of course when you start changing patch, lube, and wads things change again, and I have a lot more experimenting to do before I find the best combo for that gun. But right now the FFg Swiss, and a wonder wad under the patched ball seems to be the most promising.

So yes, even though this person may have been shooting a bore size that "should" work best with FFg, it could indeed shoot best with FFFg, depending on his projectile, Powder charge/velocity/power level, lube, patch, rate of twist, etc. etc.

[HWooldridge]

I experience less fouling with 3F so I use it exclusively now and subsequently get a bit better accuracy but I would not hesitate to use 2F if that's all I had.  I can see a small improvement in using 3F on the target range but not when hunting and other guns will have different results.

[Bullseye]

I see less fouling with FFF also.  Wonder if the infamous crud ring in some guns is less with 777 in FFF rather than FF.  Anyone had any experience using both.  I have only tried 777 in FF

[KING]

:grin: Hatchetman          There is not any real conversion to use with 2f or 3f that I have ever heard of.  I know several of the guys will use 80 percent of a 2f load when using 3f.  In general....3f is used in guns of .45 cal and smaller.  2f is used in guns of 50 cal and larger.  1f is used in 58 and above.  Now...you have to remember that all guns,including Muzzleloaders are critters unto themselvs as one of the guys stated.  You have to find what gives you the optimum load in the gun you are talking about.  3f will generally burn a little hotter than 2f and will give a little better speed......notice I said speed.............which is not always the most accurate load.  Now to add even more problems............not all powders are equal.....Swiss,Elephant,and Goex will all give differant speeds,fouling,and pressures.  My .58 likes 100 of 2f Swiss,soooooooooooooo..........that is what it gets.    stay safe....................King :-D