Is there a problem with this powder?

Question

I used 15 grains of fffg American pioneer powder in a .36 naval revolver, and at point blank range only 3 out of 5 shots even managed to penetrate a 3/4 inch wood board! (don't know what type)! There was also no recoil, I know black powder creates lower preasures and all, but there was NOTHING! I think with that charge this weapon is supposed to penetrate 4 inches of wood, any ideas as to why it didn't even reliably penetrate 3/4 inches of wood? thanks!

Answer 1

Did you seal the ball after you loaded it with black powder lube? You want to, not only to get a tight seal but to avoid multi chambers from firing.
You didn't say if this is a steel or brass gun...you can use up to 25 grains of 3F in brass but 9-12 is recommend & always use # 10 caps...don't pinch # 11's, it may flash fire. Powder, wad, ball, eased until it stops, then lube. Good luck & be safe.

Answer 2

I most often use 15 grains of FFFg powder in my old .36 Navy Colt. It is not a power house load, but it is a very accurate plinking load.

The standard military service load for the M-18511 Navy Model was 22 grains of FFFg powder. This will get you into the lower level of .38 SPL power.

If your revolver is a brass framed reproduction, stick with the 15 grain load, your revolver will last lots longer than it will using the heavier load. In my revolver, I find the 15 grain load to be more accurate for paper punching.

Another thing is that you need to be sure you are using the proper size ball. If you are not shaving off a ring of lead when you seat the ball over the powder charge, the ball is undersized. If you are using .375 ball, you probably need to step up to a .380 ball. Using an undersized ball will allow gas blow-by and give reduced velocity and accuracy.

With a .36 Navy, you will never have magnum performance. But it is in my not so humble opinion the best pointing revolver ever made. The balance is near perfect, even with that long 8" barrel.

You can purchase powder flask nipples from Dixie Gunworks cut for the 22 grain load, or even heavier loads.

Doc

Answer 3

Bound's hubby here:

If I remember correctly, 3f is the fine grain that should be used in a black powder revolver. For some reason 15 grains sounds like too light a charge (that may be because I've loaded .38 Specials and .45 ACPs with 2.8 grains of Bullseye for about 30 years). Your best bet is to get a Lyman publication entitled 'Shooting Black Powder Firearms' (?), The one I have, currently buried someplace in my workshop, has a section on shooting black powder revolvers.

Caution: if you are massing (which it sounds like you are) you'll want to make certain you ground the scale and the pan and use (I think) a brass pan to eliminate the chance of a static electric charge igniting the powder.

Good luck and good shooting.

Answer 4

I was wondering if you are using the correct size ball? When you seat the ball into the cylinder, it should shave a small lead ring off the ball as it enters. I'd try balls that are a few thousands larger, and look up in your manual if you can shoot more grains of powder. Also, make sure you are seating the ball snugly on the charge. Black powder loads work best when they are compressed a little.

Answer 5

You have to work your load up. I have a Walker .44 it can take up to 60gr of 3fg but I started it at 30gr and worked it up to 50 gr and like that. So work your load up slowly, follow factory max and work up towards that.
All you have to do is give the company that made the pistol a call or email them and ask for what loads to use. They will give you the information for free. DO NOT go past what they recomend.
Your pistol may be able to use up to 20gr 3fg charge. Just a few grains of powder changes things alot. Just a few too much and bad things happen. And a brass frame can handle less than a steel frame, I have seen brass frames snap (top strap) from a hot charge.

Answer 6

I use 18 1/2 grains of FFFG in my 36 caliber Navy Reproduction, but I also load mine with a "wonder wads" underneath the ball..It will make quite a difference in your accuracy and penetration. (The Wonder Wad seals the force of the resulting gasses)You are apparently shooting at laminated Plywood.....