Hey roundball, about using 3F in rifles.

[john.41]

I have TC Hawkens also...I use Goex 3F for my .45/.50/.54cal round ball loads.

The industry rule of thumb is to simply reduce the 2F load data by 10-15% to keep the approximate same pressure.

ie: For 100grns of 2F, simply use 85-90grns of 3F.

I have been shooting Pyrodex P in my .54 T.C. Newenglander since I bought it years ago. I was told about it by a target shooter and to just use less volume than RS. I shoot .535 ball w/.010 patch and 70 gr volume. I've been thinking of adding a little more but didn't know how much would = a max load. I wouldn't mind a little less drop at 100 yds even though the deer have never complained so far.

[roundball]

My TC owner's manual lists 120grns as the max charge of 2F for the .54cal round ball.

Pyrodex-P is a 3F equivalent, so using the industry rule of thumb of 10-15% less, the Pyrodex P charge would be in 102-108grn range.

Strongly suggest you include an Oxyoke wonderwad over the powder with any strong powder charge...acts like a firewall to protect the patch, increases velocity, and tightens groups.

(give TC a call, they'll send you an owner's manual for free)

Hope this helps

[john.41]

Thanks roundball, I have a manual in the box it came in. Are you supposed to read those things? (ha) I just hadn't read any industry rule of thumb for converting 2F to 3F before.
I'll look at those Oxyoke wonder wads too, the reason I backed the load off to 70 gr was because it was destroying my patches.
I think I'll try 90 or 100 gr loads, that should flatten the ballistic curve a little.

[lonewolf5347]

I have to agree with RB both my t/c love goex 3f and the 1 in 48 twist shoot heavy loads outstanding,and like he stated I use a wad under my patch RB
My hawkens flinter 50 cal  loves  3f 100 grains  @ my Renegade 54 flinter about 95 grains and a wad.
I here some guys state the 1 in 48 twist will not hadle heavy charges ,they are wrong the 1 in 48 twist t/c barrel shoot excellent

[john.41]

Thanks for ringing in Lonewolf, I'm going to get some Ox-Yoke wonder wads and up my powder charge. I'll be testing before next deer season when its a little warmer.