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Author Topic: FFFG in a 50 cal rifle?  (Read 1542 times)

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Offline NimrodRx

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FFFG in a 50 cal rifle?
« on: March 09, 2005, 07:15:05 PM »
I have been using 777 FFG powder in my 50 cal inline.  

I recently happened by some 777 FFFG.  As I understand it, the small granulation is popular with smaller cals. and pistols.  

Does anybody have any experience with the FFFG in a 50 cal. rifle?  I know that ultimately my gun will tell me, but I won't be able to get to the range for a cpl weeks.  Just wondering what to expect.  

Thanks.
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Offline Busta

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FFFG in a 50 cal rifle?
« Reply #1 on: March 09, 2005, 07:42:44 PM »
Rx,

Reduce your 777 FFFg loads by 20% compared to FFFg Black or Pyrodex RS/Select. 80 to 85 grains 777 FFFg = 100 grains FFg Black or Pyrodex. Start 10% below your FFg load of 777 and work up in 5 grain increments.

Lots of guys that shoot heavy conicals in 50's shoot FFFg Black or Pyrodex P with 60 to 90 grain charges, 15% to 20% less with 777.

Remember 777 is much hotter than Black or Pyrodex.
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Offline Redhawk1

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FFFG in a 50 cal rifle?
« Reply #2 on: March 10, 2005, 01:48:24 AM »
First off Welcome to Graybeard.  :D
I would have to second what Busta'yote posted.  :agree:
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Offline NimrodRx

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FFFG in a 50 cal rifle?
« Reply #3 on: March 10, 2005, 05:06:15 AM »
Thanks guys.  I've been using this board as a resource for a while now.  Finally got myself registered.

I've been shooting 100 gr of 777 FFG.  Sounds like I should start with 90 of 777 FFFG.  I also picked up some BM3.  Just had to find out for myself if the hype is for real.  I will probably start with 90 gr there too.  The last hype I bought into was QuickSpin vanes for my arrows.  What a disappointment.  Hope BM3 comes closer to its claims than the QSs did.  

I will be pushing 285 gr Barnes Spitfires and 300 gr Barnes Expanders.

Thanks again.
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Offline Busta

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FFFG in a 50 cal rifle?
« Reply #4 on: March 10, 2005, 07:19:09 AM »
Quote from: NimrodRx
Thanks guys.  I've been using this board as a resource for a while now.  Finally got myself registered.

I've been shooting 100 gr of 777 FFG.  Sounds like I should start with 90 of 777 FFFG.  I also picked up some BM3.  Just had to find out for myself if the hype is for real.  I will probably start with 90 gr there too.  The last hype I bought into was QuickSpin vanes for my arrows.  What a disappointment.  Hope BM3 comes closer to its claims than the QSs did.  

I will be pushing 285 gr Barnes Spitfires and 300 gr Barnes Expanders.

Thanks again.


I just lost a good long post about BM'3 :cry:  and don't have time to retype it, but I am sure you will enjoy it, it is my new favorite powder.

But Goex has a new joint venture with American Pioneer Powder called Goex "Pinnacle" that the jury is still out on. I haven't seen it on the shelves yet, but will have to try some when it's available.
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Offline Mark whiz

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FFFG in a 50 cal rifle?
« Reply #5 on: March 10, 2005, 12:55:42 PM »
NimrodRx..................

I did a LOT of testing with both grades of 777 and what I found is that you really don't HAVE to reduce your loads when going to 3fg 777.  If you look at Hodgdon's load data, you'll notice that there is only about 50fps difference between 2fg & 3fg 777 loads for identical bullets - a difference that really makes no difference.

In field testing with my Knight USAK, identical loads of each powder gave me identical points of impact.  I DID find that I got better accuracy (tighter groups) if I used 2fg on sabot bullets 300gr and less, while sabot bullets heavier than 300gr liked the 3fg cut better. However, both Conicals and PowerBelts worked best with the 2fg cut no matter how heavy the bullet was.

Not dropping the 3fg load with 777 should not be applied when using true Black powder or Pyrodex. In those powders, the 3fg cut WILL need to be reduced for safety & accuracy.  
I believe this difference is due to the fact that 2fg 777 is already cut SO fine, that there is very little difference between the 2 777 cuts.  This probably also explains why 2fg 777 is about 15% more powerful than 2fg Black or Pyro................ it's as much the granulation as it is the formula. This also probably explains why the new Black Mag3 powder is more powerful too and can be used in rifles or pistols - it's a cut equivalent to 3fg.
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Offline NimrodRx

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FFFG in a 50 cal rifle?
« Reply #6 on: March 10, 2005, 07:44:12 PM »
Good stuff.  Thanks Mark!
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Offline AndyHass

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FFFG in a 50 cal rifle?
« Reply #7 on: March 12, 2005, 03:51:45 AM »
I did quite a bit of chronograph work comparing different powders.  While triple-f gave slightly higher velocities at lower charges (up to about 90 grains), at 100 grains there was NO velocity different.  I tested up to 120 grains 777, and by that point double-f was giving the slightly higher velocities.
   At least in two of my guns.
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Offline NimrodRx

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FFFG in a 50 cal rifle?
« Reply #8 on: March 13, 2005, 12:25:05 PM »
Very good info. guys.  I appreciate it.  

On the way to the range today, I stopped in and exchanged my FFFG for some FFG.  

When I get some more time, I'll post my findings with BM3.

Thanks again.
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Offline toecutter

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FFFG in a 50 cal rifle?
« Reply #9 on: March 14, 2005, 05:19:36 AM »
Your results will vary but I was getting 1"-2" groups with 90gr. of FF T7 and accidentaly switched to FFF. I couldn't understand why my groups went to hell, but once I figured it out, I dropped to 80 grs. and group sizes went down another .5 of an inch. (240gr T/C xtp out of 26" stainless encore). Good luck :D
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