Goex 4F

[Seamus]

I came across a can of 4F Goex & am wondering what I can use it for.  I do not have a flintlock so the traditional priming use is out.  I have read mixed comments online.  Some folks appear to have used it successfully in CAS caliber pistol caliber loads.  I currently am using up some 2F & 3F 777 as 12 ga shotgun loads & it works great; only 40g gives lots of smoke & fire & knockdown power.  Could I use a similar amount of 4F for shotgun?  I have a super strong TTN SXS.

Any recommendations are appreciated.

Seamus 

[August]

My experience with 4F (YMMV) is that it works, but that the fouling is severe.

[hellgate]

I've never used it in cartridges. Lyman published data using it in C&Bs in their BP Handbook 1st ed. Not a great deal of difference in pressure or velocity in the handguns. I've used it in the shotgun to blend with 2F or 1F to make "sparklers" for  spark effect at night shoots. I'm tempted to use it in the pistols just to use it up. I've wondered if one could mix 1F and 4F to get a more dense load with the smaller 4F filling in the voids between the larger 1F granules.

[Dick Dastardly]

Works good in .32 S&W cartridges if you have a strong gun.  Not room in them for more than 3 grains.

DD-MDA

[rickk]

4F is definitely not the thing for shotguns.

The only BP gun that I ever heard of being factory rated for 4F is the Ruger Old Army. 

[Bottom Dealin Mike]

I use it in .31 cal C&B revolvers

[Forty Rod]

It's a wonderful cure for gophers.   

[Drydock]

I too found a can of 4f, found it works great in the .45 acp case.  One cc under a 230 grain bullet, fired in my Cimmerron 7th cavalry with the extra .45acp cylinder.  Great way to save powder!

[fourfingersofdeath]

I have a plastic bag which holds 8lb that I bought some time back. Must try it in the ROAs. We call it cracker powder (crackers+fireworks in Australia, also banned, sigh! ). Some guys seem to use it as a cheap alternative in shotshells.

I have a 45 Ruger Blackhawk convertible and a 45 slide and barrel for my 1911, heaps of brass and a power of 230Gn commercial cast bullets. Must try it. The bullets might be a bit hard for BP, so I will have to trot out my RIA Big Loobe mould.

[mtmarfield]

   Greetings!

   Gents, FFFFg (4F) powder is recommended for flint lock priming, and small BP cartridges. Every BP Manual that I've read warns against using it for other purposes (main charge), unless the Manufacturer OKs its use.
   Do I have any personal experience with FFFFg? No. But this doesn't necessarily mean that I'm talking out of my hat. I believe that Sam Fadala's "The Black Powder Handgun" discusses this.
   Trade that Can of FFFFg to a frontstuffer for a can of FFFg, or FFg. The fact that FFFFg is sold for fast, reliable flintlock ignition should say something! It's not always the First Shot that blows a cylinder / barrel, either...

         Be Careful! Be Well!

                      M.T.Marfield