Another newbie question

[Witchdoctor]

When it comes to BP, do the revolvers and muzzle loading percussion rifles use the same type of powder ?

[Junk Yard Dog]

Yes, they all use black powder or one of the substitutes like Pyrodex, or triple 7. Revolvers use FFFG, while most rifles will use the larger grain FFG, huge muskets like the Brown Bess use FG. There is FFFFG but this is for priming flintlock pans only, never use it as a main charge, it's too fine a grain and will cause an overload. You can use FFG in a pistol if that's all you can find, it will just mean a slightly smaller charge as you load BP by volume not weight. The larger the grain the more volume the powder takes up, FFFG will pack tighter in a chamber due to it's smaller grain size.

[entropy]

I use Pyrodex "P" in both rifles and pistols.

[Witchdoctor]

The differences in the FFG and FFFG is how fine it's ground I'm taking it, the main reason I'm asking is because I was thinking of making my own BP and was hoping to use in both, BP seems to me another thing that maybe easier to make, obtain in a shtf scenario, making powder, casting lead, those things....so if I made my own wanted to be able for it to be useful in all types of BP weapons.

[Junk Yard Dog]

Understand going in that BP is highly unstable and explosive. Static electricity, shock, the slightest spark and you, the house, and a good chunk of the world are flying past the moon. Goex makes an excellent and affordable product, Pyrodex also works just fine, there is no reason at all to undertake the risks involved in trying to manufacture your own powder. Some of the most spectacular industrial accidents of the 19th century involved munitions plants working with black powder. You forgot percussion caps, unless you have a lifetime supply they will run out at some point and these are not easy to home produce and the chemical compounds involved are even more dangerous than PB. FLintlocks would be how you could avoid that, but I very strongly suggest you take up home canning or candle making if you need a SHTF hobby, playing with black powder production can kill you. Buy the limit of 50 pounds allowed to an individual -of BP- that will last you decades in a revolver. There are many online sellers, and it can be shipped with an extra haz-mat fee charged.

http://www.grafs.com/goex

[A1RADIOMAN]

I think if you want a SHTF gun you would be better to buy a 50 cal. Air rifle. Much quieter and no need for powder or caps ,ones I have seen use a .490 round lead ball. And no smoke .

[musketjon]

A general rule of thumb is:
4f is for priming flintlock pans.
3f is for calibers less than .50
2f is for rifles up to .75 caliber
1f is for artillery.
Jon

[Junk Yard Dog]

I use 1F for the big bore muskets, Brown Bess, anything bigger than .50

[entropy]

I have some potsssium nitrate, sulphur, charcol is not hard to get, I know the %'s , just never done it, and will only do it if it gets to that point. I intend to keep using 'captured' ammo and weapons long before I have to make BP.

[Longcolt44]

I have no bearing on this but I think the ATF may frown on do-it-yourself black powder manufacturing...just sayin'.

[Junk Yard Dog]

Local fire marshal and building inspector might frown on it also. You might faw down and go BOOM.