What kind of powder are you cannoneers using

[Fred]

Well this is the first time on a discussion form, hate to show people how poorly I spell and type. I was just woundering what kind of black powder you cannoneers are using and what your're paying for it.

[Cat Whisperer]

When I first started, my step-dad would come up with a quart or two of blasting powder from the quarries.  It was about as fine as 'Fg" black powder - finer than cannon powder.

As blasting powder it was specially made as not to be too violent - so as not to crack the granite unnecessarily.

Since I have had my mortars custom made and tremendously overbuilt I use FFg or FFFg - short barrels and 4140 steel that's extra thick.  Most sane people would use Fg or Cannon grade black powder - good slow burning with low pressure.

Cost - what ever I can get it for - about 12 -13 bucks a pound.  I've read of 8.50 and 9.00 per pound.  There is some information about it on our resource board and you'll occasionally find posts on the n-ssa board too.

I have made black powder when I was a teenager, but the components are much more difficult to get now & the commercial stuff is of much better quality.

[Fred]

Well our artillery unit has been using FA powder instead of FG. I guess FA is what is used in the making of fireworks, same as blasting powder. We pay $2.16 TO 2.90 PER lb of FFA(2FA) or FFFFA(4FA) in a 50lb bulk bag/box.  2FG or 3FG is $6 per lb in a 25 lb case of 1lb cans, this is from Redmans in Ill. they can be found through the "stickey"  info for black powder,(elephant and then who ever comes up under dealers).  The Camp Chase Gaszette had an add for The Main Powder House  www.mainpowderhouse.com  that when I checked their site had $8.50 including shipping don't know how many or how much one must purchase to get that price.

If shooting compettion I would use FG powder but just for fun shooting use the cheaper FG powder.

FRED.....................................

[Double D]

In my first guns I used FA.  It didn't seem to want to drive the can consistantly and it was just easier to find Fg.  I have used Cannon and Pyrodex CTG.  Pyrodex goes blop and the balls goes about 5 feet.

[Will Bison]

We use Goex from Coonies in NM at about 10 dollars (depends on shipping distance) or Elephant from Maine Powder House at about 8 dollars. We like 1f or cannon grade for ball and have found that 2 or 3 f works fine for blanks.