Good results with 4FG in 44-40?

[sharps4590]

Don't know about 4Fg in the 44-40 but I have tested GOEX 4FG in the 45 Colt.

Under a 255 gr 454190 in W-W cases with WLP primers 34.5 gr of GOEX 4Fg produced 12,100 psi. Using 35 gr GOEC Cartridge under the same bullet gave 13,500 psi. Pressure was measured in a Contender barrel via the Oehler m43 PBL.

This is the evidence that is most convincing. I have to admit I am surprised by the numbers. That and that Lyman has recommended Ffffg loads listed and the certain knowledge that Ffffg was use in "the old days".

Given the anemic velocity of the 1849 Colt I have often considered trying a dose of Ffffg. It appears I would be loading it as was already done well over a century ago.

[indian joe]

Guys ----something to consider -- the normal grinding and screening of blackpowder produces a lot of "fines" (FFFFG size and through to mill dust) --- use it--- OR put it back through the works ? Anyone thats used FFFFg priming a flintlock gets how long a pound can will last ----- I bet the powder companies went to a deal of trouble testing to find an appropriate home for the fine end of their powder grades rather than reprocess it. Larry's pressure comparison figures surprise me, there was another post suggesting that the higher graphite % might account for that - kinda makes sense. I have shot ungraphited powder for most of the last 25years - I have a chrono but no way of pressure testing. Also dont forget the OP referenced Swiss in his original enquiry, their FFFFg doesnt grade as fine as Goex or others - I really cant see a problem here in a modern rifle.
Elmer Keith supposedly blew a colt up using FFFFg but he had a 45/70 slug in it - proly was a case of when not if young Elmer blew somethin up.

[bigted]

These old wives tales are sure hard to put to rest. Amazing how someone writing a "theory" and sounding kinda smart on paper can begin a trend that suddenly become an absolute.

Until Larry TESTED for sure pressures in actual pressure vessels with real science and repeatable proofs ... this is the first time I personally have ever heard of an actual for real TEST using 4F powder to find truth about how dangerous it really is!

If I may be so bold Larry ... to repeat your findings ... the 4F loads compare pressure to be actually LESS then with 2F or 3F powder of the same charge or slightly more.

As to the OP ... do it. Load your cases with 4F powder and test accuracy to determine ... at least in your rifle ... how well it groups AND what helps it group the best such as grease cookie, different wads, mag primers v regular, no wads nor cookie and different boolits kind of experiments.

Is it safe??? I am convinced that 4F powder is just as safe as 1F. I am under the impression that a black powder is a safe powder in any firearm that is deemed safe for ANY factory style loadings and certainly ANY black powder loads you wish to try.

Now having said this ... my 45 120 ... 3 1/4 inch Shiloh 74 Sharps was a handful with 135 grains 3F GOEX under a 650 grain paper patched slick boolit sparked with CCI regular primers that I was very happy to be done shooting 5 of. To say uncomfortable is a giant understatement. Hummer kicked the living snot outta me ... but the cases showed NO over pressure signs what so ever ... my shoulder however exhibited very clear signs of OVER KICKING!

[Larry Gibson]

No problem bigted. Just a note though; the 3Fg load did contain 1/2 gr more powder. Would have to re-test with equal charges with several of each but past experience tells me the resulting psi's would be very similar.....probably any variance falling within test to test variation.