Author Topic: 777 in a flintlock? (Read 998 times)

farmplinker · « **on:** August 15, 2003, 11:03:23 AM »

As you might tell from my question, I am new to muzzleloading. I plan to buy a flintlock rifle for deer hunting this fall - a Lyman Deerstalker is my current choice - and I am thinking of using the new 777 powder instead of traditional blackpowder. I've heard good things about how easy it cleans up.

Is it OK or even advantageous to use 777 powder instead of blackpowder in a flintlock? What about the 777 pellets? I'm reading conflicting information and wanted some straight poop.

crow_feather · « **Reply #1 on:** August 15, 2003, 11:12:40 AM »

Plinker, or can I call you Farm?

One of the problems with flinters is getting them to ignite with just a spark. I do not know much about 777, but FFF ignites easily with just a spark. If you read a bit, you'll see that it is just as easy to clean up black powder if you use the right lubricants and never put oil to the barrel.

I do believe that pellets will not work.

Always remember that gas does escape from the touch hole - never shoot with someone standing in front (to your right) of it.

Good luck with what ever you use.

C F

Rummer · « **Reply #2 on:** August 15, 2003, 02:12:56 PM »

Farmplinker,
Hogdon (777's manufacturer) claims that if you drop 5 grains of blackpowder down the barrel of your flintlock followed by a charge of 777 it will function in a flintlock. I only use blackpowder in my flintlock. There are more experienced flinters out there who may disagree but I think that dropping two different kinds of powder down the barrel could become a real pain in the rear. There may even be safety issues. I would check out the Hogdon website for further information.
I have always been under the impression that propellants in pellet form only function well in flintlocks that are designed for them. Pellets also cost more. This extra price is like paying a premium for not having tp use a powder measure. I would rather save my money and measure the powder. I hope you find this helpful.

Best of luck.
Rummer

mamaflinter · « **Reply #3 on:** August 15, 2003, 02:23:48 PM »

farmplinker I have a friend who has tested triple 7 (rather a shooting acquaintance did while he was at the range with him) and ignition was troublesome using it in a flintlock.

That's one downfall with using a flintlock. You are pretty well limited on your powder choices in order to get reliable ignition. Also depending on the powder brand you choose it doesn't have to be overly messy. I use Swiss exclusively in one of my rifles, and it's not at all a mess to clean up...

pendennis · « **Reply #4 on:** August 16, 2003, 06:13:39 AM »

Farmplinker, I agree with the other replies. While I don't think there would be pressure issues with 5 grains or so in the barrel, you would be going to a lot of trouble in crafting what is, in reality, a duplex load. Should you need a fast follow-up shot, it's a lot of trouble to reload using duplex powder charges.

With GOEX fffg you'll get reliable ignition. Try the following procedure:

Jon in MI · « **Reply #5 on:** August 20, 2003, 03:07:34 AM »

Farmplinker, I dont pretend to be any kind of expert but I have had great results with 777. I havent found the addition of the 5 grains to be a hassle, all I do is use a pan primer to throw the first 5 grains of 4F and than throw the main charge from a measure. Im using a .54 with patched ball. I agree that the pellets probably wont work but Ive had no ignition problems at all with granular. To be fair I havent used a black powder load yet so maybe it will work even better but I doubt it. At 100 yds Im getting 3 5 shot groups and cleanup is a snap.

Jon in MI