Looking for a smokey load

[rugersol]

Now I really need a 1050 - bacon grease station.

No need for shop rags. Just lick your fingers...oh, wait...there's still the lead.

I am now on the hunt for FFFg powder. Fleet Farm only had FFg. I can't wait to do this. Probably just the crummy weather, but I needed something new to focus on in the reloading room.

watch the static!... don't wanna ignite yer powder measure!

[gearguy10]

Yeah, I read that. I use Satern metal funnels anyway but that was good to know. I'm really hoping I can make this happen by this weekend. The mother-in-law is coming. Might need a reason to leave the house for a while.

[ex-LT]

Now I really need a 1050 - bacon grease station.

No need for shop rags. Just lick your fingers...oh, wait...there's still the lead.

I am now on the hunt for FFFg powder. Fleet Farm only had FFg. I can't wait to do this. Probably just the crummy weather, but I needed something new to focus on in the reloading room.

Have you tried Wolf's Den in Hugo or Track of the Wolf in Elk River? According to their website, Track of the Wolf has FFFg in stock. You might also try Cabela's.

[gearguy10]

So here's the new question...I found FFFg at Gander but the two brands they sell both say that they are a "black powder substitute." One of them even said in bold "Do not use in cartridges." Should I find actual black powder or just use these substitutes and am I going to blow my hand off with it?

[rugersol]

So here's the new question...I found FFFg at Gander but the two brands they sell both say that they are a "black powder substitute." One of them even said in bold "Do not use in cartridges." Should I find actual black powder or just use these substitutes and am I going to blow my hand off with it?

Sounds like 777 is intended fer more velocity in muzzle loaders?!

Maybe check this out?! ... http://www.curtrich.com/bpsubsdummies.html

[gearguy10]

What happens if you don't fill the air space between powder and bullet? Does the firearm blow up and remove your hand?

No. The space is too small for the blowup phenomenon that's occurred with big front stuffing rifles from long air spaces.

You get inconsistent loads. One will be puff, the next BANG. Accuracy suffers. APP and Pinnacle get really inconsistent. 777 seems least affected.

From what I've read, the standard practice is to just fill the case to the point the bullet will seat and give it a good crimp. Underloading requires a wad to fill the air space.

I think I'll grab a jug of Triple 7 and give it a whirl. Yee haw!

[rugersol]

What happens if you don't fill the air space between powder and bullet? Does the firearm blow up and remove your hand?

No. The space is too small for the blowup phenomenon that's occurred with big front stuffing rifles from long air spaces.

You get inconsistent loads. One will be puff, the next BANG. Accuracy suffers. APP and Pinnacle get really inconsistent. 777 seems least affected.

From what I've read, the standard practice is to just fill the case to the point the bullet will seat and give it a good crimp. Underloading requires a wad to fill the air space.

I think I'll grab a jug of Triple 7 and give it a whirl. Yee haw!

Way I read it, that'd be a bit stout ... probly the one I'd avoid ... but, I only skimmed the article!

I'd probly make the drive up to Track of the Wolf!

[gearguy10]

Way I read it, that'd be a bit stout ... probly the one I'd avoid ... but, I only skimmed the article!

I'd probly make the drive up to Track of the Wolf!

You might be right. I just visited the Hogdon site and they list load data for .38 special using FFg. I do really want to visit Track of the Wolf but it looks like their hours are really limited - and not open weekends. Basically they're open when I'm at work. Kinda tough to pull that off.

I'll keep working on it. Thanks for the info so far.

[Rem700]

Might want to stick with the subs otherwise you will need bullets lubed with blackpowder lube.
APP also known as American Pioneer Powder which is smokier or 777 are probably your two best options.
APP actually smokes more then blackpowder, Blackpowder smoke is kinda yellowish APP is white.
APP I would probably stick with FFFg if 777 either FFg or FFFg
How much do you need?

[Rem700]

I was gonna say black powder as well... http://www.jspublications.net/tips/bploading.pdf

That is awesome! Now I'm getting excited. And I think I can actually find FFFg powder at most shops that sell muzzleloading equip. I may rethink using my stainless Vaquero though. Might have to pick up a used Uberti or something. This is going to be fun.

I shot a Blackpowder match 1 1/2yrs ago useing Uberti SS revolvers and 777. Just to see what happens for rust I still havnt cleaned the guns and still have no rust. I did clean the blued rifle and shotgun about a month later because I wanted to use them for a different match but didnt have any rust issues.

[Rem700]

http://www.curtrich.com/bpsubsdummies.html

Good article on loading the subs

[gearguy10]

I checked out the APP website and they had load data for .357 with the FFFg. I went and picked up a can at Gander and loaded up 6 tonight. The website said 13 gn weighed. When I put 13 gn in a test case it filled exactly to the point the bullet would seat.

I'm going to try to get out this weekend and giver her a go. I discovered I didn't have any small pistol magnum primers so I went with just small pistol. Most of the stuff I read said it should work fine with just SP primers. We'll find out.

[Rem700]

The APP should work fine, It has larger kernels and dust in the bottle and doesnt meter as well threw a Dillon 650 so I usually use 777. If your dipping powder the APP works fine.

APP is hyrdroscopic and attracts moisture and is more of a cause of rust then the burned powder keep the unburned powder/dust cleaned up on anything metal reloading die, powder hopper etc.

[gearguy10]

The APP should work fine, It has larger kernels and dust in the bottle and doesnt meter as well threw a Dillon 650 so I usually use 777. If your dipping powder the APP works fine.

APP is hyrdroscopic and attracts moisture and is more of a cause of rust then the burned powder keep the unburned powder/dust cleaned up on anything metal reloading die, powder hopper etc.

Thanks for the info. I don't plan to load in bulk so I'm just dipping straight out of the can, into the powder pan on the scale and into the funnel. I used some Hornady brass that I can keep segregated from the rest. And I love the smell of gun cleaner so cleaning to me is as much fun as shooting - I'm just anal that way.

I was planning on slipping out today since the mother-in-law is coming sometime soon, but then the father-in-law, sister-in-law, etc. decided to all make an appearance so I'm stuck sitting here. This is going to be painful. Maybe tomorrow?

[gearguy10]

That was awesome! 13 gn of FFFg worked perfectly. Other than the huge poof of smoke, it was very similar to shooting light handloads using smokeless. I can't wait until the BBQ. Smoke and flames always draw a crowd.

Now, I'm kind of half-tempted to pic up another single-action....