Old Ironsights......FFFFG in the .357

[w30wcf]

I know that this is something you have been thinking about for some time.

I was looking through my Lyman Black Powder Handbook recently (Copyright 1975). Interestingly, there is data for FFFG & FFFFG in a .36 Caliber Cap and ball revolver.

Two different types of b.p. were tested under a 150 gr. bullet.
LUP - Lead Units of Pressure

Powder: G-O
FFFG - 12.0/7,200 LUP .....15.0/8,500 LUP
FFFFG - 12.0/8,740 LUP .....15.0/11,200 LUP

Powder: C&H
FFFG - 12.0/5,900 LUP .....15.0/6,400 LUP
FFFFG - 12.0/9,200 LUP .....15.0/10,600 LUP

Based on that data, there is no way that a capacity load of FFFFG in a .357 Magnum case (about 20 grs. +-)will even come close to SAMMI MAP.

Have fun with FFFFG in your .357.:-D

w30wcf

[Leatherbark]

I thought of using ffffg in my 32 S&W loads as the solid head cases will not hold near the black that balloon cases did in the olden days.................Bob

[w30wcf]

Leatherbark,

I shoot b.p. in a Marlin '92 chambered for the .32 Long Colt. I have some early UMC headstamped balloon head cases and find that they hold 1 more grain of b.p. than the solid head cases. I would expect that the difference in the .32 S&W should be pretty much the same.

Historically speaking, the early .32 Long colt (balloon head case) was loaded with 12 grs. of b.p. under a 90 gr. bullet. By comparison, the old .32 S&W Long B.P. factory cartridge (balloon head case) was loaded with 13 grs. of b.p. under a 98 gr. bullet.

I have dissected .32 S&W Long b.p. ammunition and found that the factory used about .10" of powder compression (FFFG). The bullet seating depth was .25".

w30wcf

[Nueces]

w30wcf, have you chronographed those BP loads? What sort of accuracy are you getting?

Thanks, Mark

[w30wcf]

Neuces,
My apologies for the delay in responding.

In the .32 Colt, I load 12 grs. of Swiss FFFG in UMC headstamped brass.
Velocity runs 1,150 f.p.s. with a 94 gr. bullet. Lube is SPG. Accuracy runs in
1 1/2' - 2" range @ 50 yards.....but the barrel is not the greatest on my 1892
Marlin.


.38 Special b.p. cartridges in my .357 Marlin Cowboy Rifle (24") go 1,255 f.p.s.
21.5 / Swiss FFFG / 160 gr. / SPG Accuracy at 50 yards = 1 1/4' - 1 1/2".

THese are fuunnn b.p. cartridges. :Fire:

w30wcf