Swiss black powder

[mooner]

I have an opportunity to split a case of Swiss powder and would like information on which grain size would be best for a 45-90 and 40-65. Optimun size may not be the same for both. Also, what is the preferred primer?
                       BEST REGARDS---MOONER

[Clarence]

Mooner,

I'd advise 1-1/2 Fg, based on my experience and everything I've read.  I've shot it in my .40-65, .40-70, and .45-70 with excellent results.  One quick try in the .45-70 produced a good load but not quite as good as the GOEX load I'd worked up earlier, and since I have 1/3 case of GOEX, I haven't made a real effort.  My experience is that the velocity is ~50 fps higher when loaded this way than a load of FFg GOEX with 0.200" compression.

Generally, I find that 0.040-0.050" compression after dropping through a 24" drop tube, with either a 0.030" or 0.060" fiber wad is a great place to start.  One bonus, that is little enough compression that you can do the compression with the bullet, rather than a separate compression die.  I like an expander plug ~0.003" smaller than the bullet for consistent but not heavy neck tension.  (I had to anneal the Starline .45-90 brass to decrease the neck tension.)

I've had very good results with Fed 215's, but you'll find a lot of different opinions on primers.  I had good results with Fed 150's, but it bothers me that they are shorter and have a 0.010" run at the breechblock when the pressure builds.

Most people I know that have tried Swiss have found it easy to work with.  It meters considerably more evenly than GOEX, and a number of different measures give very consistent throws after some experimenting to get a consistent technique of operating the measure.

Good luck!

[cooper]

Just to let you know what velocities to expect - I use Swiss 3Fg in my 40/65.  I use the NEI 216A bullet, which is a heavy Postell-style bullet of 432 grains.  

With 66 grains of 3F Swiss, my muzzle velocity with that bullet is 1310 fps.  That's fast!  

With 64 gr of 3F Goex, MV was 1230 fps.  To get over 1300 fps using Goex 3F, I had to use a duplex load (SR 4759 and 3F Goex).

I like the fact that using Swiss 3F, I can get a high MV using straight black powder.

[pinetree]

Mooner

The previous posts did a good job of giving you information.  Let me add my two cents.  My experience has only been with a 40-65.  

First of all depending on where you get your powder it is generally possible to get a mixed case.  That way you can try out more than one granulation.  I would try Swiss 1 1/2 and Swiss 3 and see which your guns like.  Each rifle has its own taste.

As far as primers go I have had good results with Swiss using Federal 215.

Hope this helps.

Pintree

[Rick Crabtree]

I use 1 1/2 fg in 45-70 and 45-110. I have been using it for a couple years and shoot it exclusively. I use light compression (.025- .075") WLP primer in 45-110 for all loads, in 45-70 WLP for paper patch bullets and WMLR for grease groove bullets.
I have also used 3f in 44 WCF with good results.