Hello to all
As part of an education program about the Rev. War, I am called upon to fire a few blank loads from a flintlock. No ball, just powder. I am running low on 2F powder, and was wondering if I can use my 4F priming powder as the charge in the barrel. I have been using 70 gr. of 2F, and if I can use 4F, what charge, if any, would be safe?
Thank you all

quote:

Originally posted by Yankee Doodle:
Hello to all
As part of an education program about the Rev. War, I am called upon to fire a few blank loads from a flintlock. No ball, just powder. I am running low on 2F powder, and was wondering if I can use my 4F priming powder as the charge in the barrel. I have been using 70 gr. of 2F, and if I can use 4F, what charge, if any, would be safe? Thank you all

I suspect that without any projectile or wadding, 30-40 grains would be safe enough, (and probably produce enough smoke & noise), but since this stuff is so fast burning, I'm sure a percentage of the charge will become a "projectile" for an instant or so, causing pressures higher than an equal charge of FFFg or FFg.

I am assuming that your flintlock has a large bore, so pressures will drop quickly.

El D.
Between the time I asked my question, and the time it took you to answer, one of the guys advised me that he has a full can of 2F I can use.
Thank you for your time, and I will try it in the future if needed.
Thanks again
Y.D.

quote:

Originally posted by Yankee Doodle:
El D.
Between the time I asked my question, and the time it took you to answer, one of the guys advised me that he has a full can of 2F I can use.
Thank you for your time, and I will try it in the future if needed.
Thanks again
Y.D.

Hey! Glad you found "the right stuff"!