FFFG to FFFFG

ebachman · October 29, 2001, 06:02 PM

Is it "safe" to grind down FFG or FFFG between two spoons to produce a limited amount of FFFFG?
I spoke with the product reps at cleanshot and they suggested this practice although it is NOT recommended on their website.
I know there is a difference but I wanted to ask the pros...e

**4V50 Gary** · October 29, 2001, 06:13 PM

I'd rather not but if you must, only in small quantities and with non-ferrous metals.

Depending on the rifle, 3F will work as priming material for the pan. Remember that soldiers, who did not carry priming horns, carried cartridges and primed from their cartridges. The grade of powder used in cartridges was very coarse by our modern standards.

ebachman · October 29, 2001, 07:46 PM

It's a Traditions PLR and I shot it with a friends FFFFG in the pan. I'll be picking up some more this weekend but may have the chance to do a little demonstration on the 31st at a fall festival.
Thanks for the advice...e

BigG · October 29, 2001, 10:14 PM

I shoot 3F in my pan. Works just about every time. Ditto what Gary said.

Cap n ball · October 30, 2001, 10:32 AM

I've also used triple F in the pan, it can foul pretty quick but then I guess thats what picks are for. Dittos on what Gary said about using copper spoons. Don't forget that all powder is sensitive to pressure. Be careful or you'll get a nasty flash burn.

C&B

ebachman · October 30, 2001, 10:43 AM

Thanks for all the great info. I'll try the 3f in the pan and see how it works...e

**Mike Irwin** · November 1, 2001, 03:06 AM

I wouldn't even do it with copper spoons.

Black powder can generate its own static spark under the correct conditions.

Not something I'd really like to have happen.

I have a Thompson Center Renegade in .50, and I use 3F in the pan quite often. Usually increases locktime just a tad, but nothing of consequence.

Wildwilley · November 2, 2001, 10:52 AM

Remember that if you make your own pime, never make it into a powder. (Like talcum)
If you grind it to fine, it will actually "snake" in the pan. That is it
will actually search for the grains of powder.
This can be cured by adding nitrates wet. But guys its a heck of a lot easier to buy it.
Split a can with a friend. If you need an extra storage can contact me on my cp.
I can tell you stories of a dozen guys who are missing body parts from static discharge.
Black powder is nothing to play with. I buy it, put it in my storage horns and that's it.
Don't put it in plastic bowels or bags. (Speed loaders are ok)
Don't walk across the carpet in winter with a can in your hands.
Don't slide the can or a loaded muzzeloader across that nice fuzzy car seat.
Do keep it in a cool dry place and while handeling it be very careful.

Cap n ball · November 2, 2001, 11:47 AM

Amen to that Willy. I bought two pounds of 4f two years ago and still have a lot of powder. It's just not that expensive that anyone should take a chance grinding 3f down. I admit to having done it a couple of times but I won't ever do it again.

October 29, 2001, 06:02 PM	#1
ebachman Member Join Date: December 11, 2000 Posts: 53	FFFG to FFFFG Is it "safe" to grind down FFG or FFFG between two spoons to produce a limited amount of FFFFG? I spoke with the product reps at cleanshot and they suggested this practice although it is NOT recommended on their website. I know there is a difference but I wanted to ask the pros...e

October 29, 2001, 06:13 PM	#2
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 22,306	I'd rather not but if you must, only in small quantities and with non-ferrous metals. Depending on the rifle, 3F will work as priming material for the pan. Remember that soldiers, who did not carry priming horns, carried cartridges and primed from their cartridges. The grade of powder used in cartridges was very coarse by our modern standards. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

October 29, 2001, 07:46 PM	#3
ebachman Member Join Date: December 11, 2000 Posts: 53	Good practice It's a Traditions PLR and I shot it with a friends FFFFG in the pan. I'll be picking up some more this weekend but may have the chance to do a little demonstration on the 31st at a fall festival. Thanks for the advice...e

October 30, 2001, 10:43 AM	#6
ebachman Member Join Date: December 11, 2000 Posts: 53	Thanks Thanks for all the great info. I'll try the 3f in the pan and see how it works...e

November 1, 2001, 03:06 AM	#7
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,642	I wouldn't even do it with copper spoons. Black powder can generate its own static spark under the correct conditions. Not something I'd really like to have happen. I have a Thompson Center Renegade in .50, and I use 3F in the pan quite often. Usually increases locktime just a tad, but nothing of consequence. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

October 29, 2001, 10:14 PM	#4
BigG Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 1999 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,334	I shoot 3F in my pan. Works just about every time. Ditto what Gary said.

October 30, 2001, 10:32 AM	#5
Cap n ball Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2000 Posts: 247	I've also used triple F in the pan, it can foul pretty quick but then I guess thats what picks are for. Dittos on what Gary said about using copper spoons. Don't forget that all powder is sensitive to pressure. Be careful or you'll get a nasty flash burn. C&B

November 2, 2001, 10:52 AM	#8
Wildwilley Member Join Date: September 29, 2001 Location: Southwest Pennsylvania Posts: 51	Priming powder Remember that if you make your own pime, never make it into a powder. (Like talcum) If you grind it to fine, it will actually "snake" in the pan. That is it will actually search for the grains of powder. This can be cured by adding nitrates wet. But guys its a heck of a lot easier to buy it. Split a can with a friend. If you need an extra storage can contact me on my cp. I can tell you stories of a dozen guys who are missing body parts from static discharge. Black powder is nothing to play with. I buy it, put it in my storage horns and that's it. Don't put it in plastic bowels or bags. (Speed loaders are ok) Don't walk across the carpet in winter with a can in your hands. Don't slide the can or a loaded muzzeloader across that nice fuzzy car seat. Do keep it in a cool dry place and while handeling it be very careful.

November 2, 2001, 11:47 AM	#9
Cap n ball Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2000 Posts: 247	Amen to that Willy. I bought two pounds of 4f two years ago and still have a lot of powder. It's just not that expensive that anyone should take a chance grinding 3f down. I admit to having done it a couple of times but I won't ever do it again.