I've recently purchased a used Browning BPCR single shot in 40-65. It's been several years since I've reloaded black powder cartridges, and then only 45-70. At that time the only available BP in my area was GOEX in FG or FFG. Now there is Schuetzen, Swiss, and Olde Eynsford in F, FF, and even 1.5 F. I am not interested in BP substitutes.

Any recommendations from BP riflemen?

Old Eynsford is supposed to be the equal of the old imported Swiss and English powders. I have used it in some cartridges and find it cleaner burning.

You might go over the the Single Shot Rifle Association forum and read some of the threads there.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

You bet - thank you.

I shoot Swiss 2F in my Sharps replica .40-65

Awesome choice. I have had mine for almost 20 years. Very accurate with the 430 grain Hoch nose pour bullets, pan lubed right from the mold. You will love it!

Those are all good choices. These days only only recommendation is to buy what ever you can get in an appropriate-for-caliber granulation. Either 1.5 Fg or FFg should be fine in this caliber. You might experience a bit less powder fouling with the 1 1/2.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

Thanks, everyone!

I've never used 1.5 Fg, but maybe I'll give it a try. I got several SPG-lubed 400 grain Snovers with the package.

I find that, with single shot rifles, chamber fouling with "clinkers" often occurs with large grain sizes. I shoot 45-70, 45-75, 45-90 all with 3F and find that smaller grain powder is cleaner than large. Have experimented with 2F but found chamber fouling was a big issue with the larger size BP. The large grains got stuck in the chamber and will not allow chambering more rounds until wiped out.

I also find that all BP makers I have used offer almost identical performance. Swiss, Goex, Old Eynsford, and Schuetzen all seem to offer the same results, so whatever is available is what I use. It is a very simple compound, with 75% Potassium Nitrate, 15% Charcoal, and 10% Sulfur so cannot see that there would be much difference between brands though it remains personal preference for some.

I use the rule that many muzzleloaders have espoused forever. Anything 50 caliber and over use 2F and anything under 50 use 3F. Most BP Cartridge guns are under 50 caliber, so 3F seems to be the best choice in my mind.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

I did get 'clinkers' with 550 grain 45-70 bullets and both Fg and FFg. I thought it was just the way things were. So I'll give FFFg a try first.

There is no solution to having to wipe out the chamber if firing many rounds per session, but found that with 2F I could only get a couple shots before chambering became a problem. 3F added several shots before needing wiping down.

Another consideration is the fact that 3F will add 10%+ to your velocities over 2F, so you might try reducing the load. This will require a nitro card to ensure a full case, but will result is a cleaner load as well.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Perfect, thank you!

UPS will ship to your door.
Also, don’t overlook duplex loads. Two friends of mine switched from all BP to duplex loads. The reduction in fouling was remarkable. One of them was loading for a 40/65 1885 Browning High Wall Single Shot. The other was a Shiloh Sharps 50/110. New production.
Both guys loaded a 3 grain “kicker” charge of some kind of fast burning shotgun powder like Green Dot or something in the bottom of the case, with a slightly reduced charge of black powder on top. Compressed loads.
Duplex charges with black powder cartridge loads are nothing new or radical, and have been used since shortly after the advent of smokeless powder.
They would shoot 20 rounds or more, and run a single water or Isopropyl Alcohol paper towel patch down the bore from the opened breech ends and resume shooting. The fouling left in the barrels after 20 to 25 rounds was so insignificant that the cleaning really not necessary at that point. Loads were powerful and accurate.

More and more muzzleloader shooters are coming around to the view that 3F powder is eminently suitable for all calibers, large and small. Less fouling, higher velocity, and you can back off the charge volume a little bit and still have get the desired velocity. More shots per pound.
I have a lifetime supply of BP in 2F and 3F that I laid in 10 years ago.
If I had it to do over, I would have bought only 3F.