4F

[olskool]

has anyone used 4F in a cap and ball revolver? i have a pietta 1851 44cal. from what i have read 4F or a fine grade of powder was at one time considered a pistol powder. i wonder if it would be a bit hot or ok?

[Coffinmaker]

Actually, it depends on what you are looking for.  If Max velocity is your bent, it's just fine.  And, yes, it (4f) is a mite hot.  However, not
as "hot" as 777.  You'll get more velocity and felt recoil from it.  It won't hurt your gun in the slightest.
3f = not so much velocity nor recoil.
2f = mild velocity and recoil
1f = save it for the shotgun to get BOOM.

Most of us would consider 3f a better choice.  If, however, it's what you have ...... load it up.

Coffinmaker

[fourfingersofdeath]

That's good to know, I bought a 5lb plastic bag of it chap some time ago.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I have only used FFFFg for flintlock priming and the .31 percussion revolver or .32 short.

Coffinmaker; I see you have experince with larger revolvers. I have seen quite a difference in results/pressure between FFg and FFFg min both revolvers and rifles. I speculate that one has to keep charges modest when using FFFFg.

[olskool]

how modest of a charge?

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Do a search "FFFFg" for much related info.

On 23 May 16 Grapeshot posted the following advice;

   
Re: Full Power 45 Colt Loads
« Reply #9 on: May 23, 2016, 11:00:23 pm »
   Reply with quote
Oh yes, I especialy like 4f in my 38 S&W Iver Johnsons.  I also use 4f in .45 acp cases in the extra 45 acp cylinder of my Cimmarron 7th Cav.   I  have shot 4f in a Nagant revolver, great fun, and in my .36 Navys.  It also works well in a Bodeo.  I tend to reserve its use for applications of 20 grains or less.  That seems to be its historical usage as well.

[Trader Dan]

I have always heard that 4F should only be used for priming pan powder and flash powder. It was my understand that if you used it to shoot in your gun, it could over pressure and cause a catastrophic failure.

Not true?

[wildman1]

I have always heard that 4F should only be used for priming pan powder and flash powder. It was my understand that if you used it to shoot in your gun, it could over pressure and cause a catastrophic failure.

Not true?

+1
I believe that would be the recommendation of the various powder manufacturers.
wM1

[Scattered Thumbs]

I have always heard that 4F should only be used for priming pan powder and flash powder. It was my understand that if you used it to shoot in your gun, it could over pressure and cause a catastrophic failure.

Not true?

It's kind of like with smokeless powders. If it's faster you use less of it. The only big difference is... With gunpowder hou have either to seat your bullet much deeper (till it touches the charge) or use some kind of inert filler to make up for the empty space.