A few weeks ago I found a Lyman Deerstalker .50 percussion rifle in a local pawnshop. The deal was sweetened by the fact that a Lyman 57SML peep sight, leather sling, and a big bag of accessories were included. The previous owner apparently died or gave up on muzzleloading. I literally did not need to buy anymore accessories to use and clean this gun. There was even a brass flask filled with unidentified gunpowder. I was afraid to use this powder, not knowing what it was or its condition, so I went out and found the only stuff that was available locally, Pyrodex P and a can of Goex Pinnacle Replica ff. As far a I can determine, no retailers in Southwest Florida carry real black powder.
Since there were a bunch of saboted bullets included in my bag o' goodies, I started shooting them with 80 grains of the Pyrodex fff. Not bad accuracy, but I feel I can do better. Then I came across some non-saboted 350gr. pre-lubricated hollowpoints from the Buffalo Bullet Company. I'd like to try them next, but am wondering which powder to use, and how much.
The Pyrodex P fff, or the Goex ff?
Also, do I need to put a felt wad between the powder charge and the Buffalo bullet, or just seat the bullet onto the charge?
The Lyman Deerstalker seems to have a rather short barrel for a muzzleloader. Which powder will burn more efficiently in such a barrel, fff or ff?
All advice and opinions will be carefully considered. Thanks.