Black powder 4F vs 1F or 2F
- Thread starter catpop
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What type cannon and what projectiles?
We are shooting 4 oz blasting or Cannon. Most the time it is a 1 to 1.5 grade.
To be honest I would not shoot 4f in anything other then revolvers or pan.
Maybe in some of the carbines like a Sharps or Smith.
Generally it is 10 % less from 2F to 3F
Would not use it in cannons.
We are shooting 4 oz blasting or Cannon. Most the time it is a 1 to 1.5 grade.
To be honest I would not shoot 4f in anything other then revolvers or pan.
Maybe in some of the carbines like a Sharps or Smith.
Generally it is 10 % less from 2F to 3F
Would not use it in cannons.
OP
catpop
Well-Known Member
My cannon is a scaled down 12 pound federal gun made entirely of scrape metal from Dixie Gun Works plans in 1980s. It has a 1 3/4” bore (not to scale) to hurl golf balls. I’ve been using 1 1/2 ounces 3F black powder for blank loads
So maybe 20% less?
So maybe 20% less?
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He’s probly gonna say the same thing I will: don’t use it in a cannon. The right stiff is out there if you know where to look for it.
Yep Not worth the risk.
You have your bore scoped time to time?
What type of breech in the gun?
Seen too many people hurt with cannons. Got to really know the science behind it.
Can not tell you.
So what us the background of that 1 lb can and who made it. How old and how was it takes care of.
On a side note, there are several places to get it.
Most of mine comes from a place in Winchester VA or blasting from a place in PA.
4f is for priming flintlocks only.
Also used for some centerfire like the 44-40 and 45 colt from time to time.
You can get a little higher velocity over 3F.
Also used for straws. But true mainly priming.
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10-4
That puts your wall thickness at about .84" at the breech and that is a little thin for strong charges.
Blanks will blow a tube faster than a golf ball. You should be fine with golfballs as long as the tube is structural intact stable but who knows what the steel was or grade.
Sure you have had a lot of fun over the years.
My friend is the one that builds them and keeps up with all the data so I cant remember the formula.
Look up Mike McCoy. He's the NC NMLRA state rep and lives east of Fayetteville. I was at the State shoot yesterday with him.
If you want to seriously play safely with black powder things that go bang, join the NMLRA for small arms or the N-SSA for Civil War arms including cannon and mortars. The NMLRA has charter clubs in every state and the Lafayette Long Rifles are based in Eastern NC. Of the N-SSA, there are members scattered all over. If you're serious, I'll put you in touch with someone who knows pretty much everyone in the N-SSA.
OP
catpop
Well-Known Member
Someone close to Washington NC area would be great!
Thank you
How close are you to Capron Va?