Flash Pan Powder

Loyer

Loyer

CGN Regular
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Location
SW Ontario
I am new to flintlock shooting after collecting antiques for years.

Just bought Pyrodex FFG for .54 cal ball target shooting and want to know if this is suitable for flash pan use also.

I think the 1700's soldiers would grind up small amounts of regular powder for their flash pan.

Would this be alright with Pyrodex ?
 
Pyrodex will not work at all in flintlocks. First, Pyrodex in the pan will not lit. Loading Pyrodex in the barrel and black powder in the pan will not work either. The shot will fuse with a tremendous fire delay. 1700's soldiers used the powder as is coming from their pre loaded paper cartridges. Take a look at this video where Pyrodex is tested in a flintlock: h ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC1zIyPT3eo&ab_channel=RedEagleTrappingRed
 
Generally speaking, Pyrodex doesn't work in flintlock guns. OK for percussion. You can try a pinch in the pan, see if sparks ignite it. The flash in the pan may or may not ignite a charge of Pyrodex in the barrel. I have heard of duplex loads being used in a flintlock - small charge of black, with a main charge of Pyrodex on top. One of the reasons for the development of Pyrodex is that it is harder to ignite than black, which reduced shipping concerns.
You want to shoot a .54 flint rifle. FFg would be fine. Some would prefer a finer powder for priming. If you wish to grind FFg smaller use two spoons. Place a small amount in the bowl of one and work the bowl of the other down on it to produce finer powder. Obviously, do this with only a small amount of powder at time, and keep the grinding operation away from the can. Personally, I would be inclined to just use FFg for the main charge and the priming. Some would use FFFg. Finer powder. Might produce pressures a bit higher, but with reasonable loads that shouldn't be a problem.
 
Agree with all - using Pyrodex you are SOL.

Though for the priming charge, any black powder in the pan will work BUT the finer the powder, the less fouling you will get and the less crap getting thrown back in your face (I have an old pair of glasses that some 2f powder burned pits into the coating on)
 
Thanks guys. So much to learn at the start .

I was able to obtain a couple of ounces of ffffg for the flash pan.

I had no idea powder would be so difficult to purchase locally. Where do you guys buy yours (I am located in Chatham, Ontario) ?
 
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Soldiers did not grind up issued powder for priming. Line infantry rolled their own cartridges in garrison or were issued pre-made cartridges by the quarter master. Priming was done exclusively from those same rolled cartridges, the charge being increased to account for said priming. Rifle regiments depending on the army of the era might actually carry a small flask of fine powder however they also used pre-rerolled cartridges as well.

You may find it handy to keep some rubbing alcohol in your shooting kit, ensuring the frizzen is clear of oil is key to good sparking.
 
tiriaq said:
You want to shoot a .54 flint rifle. FFg would be fine. Some would prefer a finer powder for priming. Personally, I would be inclined to just use FFg for the main charge and the priming. Some would use FFFg. Finer powder. Might produce pressures a bit higher, but with reasonable loads that shouldn't be a problem.
Click to expand...

I would go with 50 - 60 grains of 3F in your 54 cal; that is what I used in my 54, when I used to shoot it and would up that to 75 or 80 gr of 3F for hunting. I also use 3 F for priming. I find a noticeable difference in the speed of ignition between 2 and 3 F with 3F being faster

cheers mooncoon
 
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