I've been looking at powders for my future BPCR and see in the different forums where the majority of shooters are using either 1.5f or 2f in their .45-70's and .45-90's.

I've heard that some powders create a harder fouling than others.

For the folks here that compete (even if it's with yourselves ) what is your preferred powder size and manufacturer?

Thanks,

Ed

Swiss 1.5 in .40-82, .45-70, and .45-90. Keeps it simple.

Paul

I use 1.5 and 2FG KIK for everything.
Happy New Year Y'all here!

Kurt

Right now, I'ld say if you're shooting a 45-90 then KIK 1.5 is a good route to take.
If the cartridge is 45-70 then KIK 2f is the way to go.

2f KIK across the board.

If you want top accuracy, Swiss 1.5 fg is still getting it done and is the clear favorite.

I still have a fair amount of GOEX Express FFG. Per advice from an experienced fella wid a 44/90 I'll be gittin' a chitload of KIK 1.5 . My 45/110 likes the FFG.

I've had good luck with Swiss 1.5 in my 40-65.

Thank you, Gentlemen (yes, even you, Jim! ).

I see that Graf & Sons carries Goex & Swiss (Swiss is SPENDY!!! ) but I don't know of a source for KIK. Any suggestions?

Ed

You get what you pay for. Don't run second rate powder in a high dollar rifle just to save a few bucks. It is not worth your time and effort.

Powder Inc carries KIK along with Goex,Schuetzen, Swiss and Diamondback.

Thank you, sir!

Ed

Ed for my 2 cents gonna order #25 lbs of KIK 2F for my 110.

Ubecha. Those prices are delivered to your door. You can mix brands in a single order (except diamondback and for what ever reason it can only be shipped in full case lots, which is ok as most folks that tried it usually consider it pretty lousy stuff).
That way you can order a variety of powder and see just what you and your gun think works the best.

I see that Powder, Inc is in Clarksvile, AR. I have to be in Ft. Smith next month on bidness and Clarksville is just down the road.

Anyone know if you can pick the stuff up in person versus having it shipped?

Ed

Yes you can..

You do have to pay sales tax instead of the shipping , so the prices are a bit different over the counter.

The more I read, the more I see 1.5 being the powder of choice. Figures since I picked up 25 lbs of 2F Goex Express about a year ago. Still trying to burn up some other brands though before I torch any of that off.

I went down that road once too.

Ed, my 45-120 shot well with Swiss 2F but the fouling was hard, KIK 2F gives equal or slightly better accuracy and much softer fouling.

Gunner

I think a discussion what powder is better will go on for ever.
The choice of powder I think is a personal choice. Use what ever powder you have confidence in. I myself think all powder has the potential to shoot accurately, it just takes a little load development.
Last night I loaded four different powders using the same volume and not by weight just to see just what the results would be for my own curiosity.
The conditions where not the best for this this morning with a 22 degree 15 MPH wind blowing in my face bringing out the tears and cold fingers I could not feel the trigger.
I shot a few rounds to foul the barrel and shot 5 rounds of 2F swiss, 5 of 2F KIK and 6 Schuetzen with the German label the rounds of 1.5 KIK I did not shoot because I didn't dress warm enough and my fingers were hurting.
Between the three different powders I shot this morning I just cant say which was more accurate. They all shot good in the .44 Rem St..
The only difference I found is that the same volume of the three powders was the Swiss and Schuetzen weight 3 grains more then the KIK KIK 92 gr Swiss and Schuetzen 95 gr. with the same volume in the case.
I used the Heavy barreled Shiloh with a 35" 1.3" round straight barrel in the .44-2.6" Rem St. (44-100) with a 28" MVA Scope.

By the way.
The bullet was a Brent Danielson design 475 gr prolate cast at 1/18 T/L patched to .001 over bore diameter.

Nice shooting Kurt!

Perfect, good looking cartridge, Thanks Kurt.

Gunner

Thanks Kurt for braving the elements and bringing some light to this subject..

Woody,

I always have said; a bad day at the range is still better then a good day at work.

The rifle I used for this has always shot right from the start. I really havent had a chance yet to really see what it will do at long range, something I will find out shortly as soon as I can get out of here and join the snow birds down south where I can find a long range to shoot this rifle.

Gunner.

Yes that round looks good, but that same bullet shot from the .44-90 BN will not stay on a 4 foot square steel plate at 600 yards. Been down that road using all the powder I used yesterday.

Something one should look at with these three powders used shooting those three groups is the lack of vertical, something a inaccurate powder will not control. I look at the groups for the lack of vertical.

The hole at 1 o-clock on the Swiss load I dismiss as a brain fart or a wind shift that was going on yesterday with the falling snow and twitchy winds, as well as the split groups for the KIK load.

I think all three of these powders will shoot good BUT the fouling is not the same! and I wont open that can of worms

OK, Kurt, I will open that can.

But, before I begin, let me echo the other's comments. Nice shooting!

Four questions about fouling;
1. Do these powders exhibit vastly different fouling characteristics?
2. Are any of those characteristics sufficiently toilsome to cause one to avoid that powder?
3. Do the obnoxious (my term) powder(s) have benefits that cause them to stay in the game, in spite of the issues?
4. Is there any way to remedy, or lessen those bad characteristics?

OK, now that I've stirred the pot, what flux should be used?

Ed

OK, Kurt, I will open that can.

But, before I begin, let me echo the other's comments. Nice shooting!

Thank you Ed, but it's more of a rifle thing then me.

Four questions about fouling;
1. Do these powders exhibit vastly different fouling characteristics?

Not vastly but there is a difference.

2. Are any of those characteristics sufficiently toilsome to cause one to avoid that powder?

No. Just control the fouling.

3. Do the obnoxious (my term) powder(s) have benefits that cause them to stay in the game, in spite of the issues?

All powders have a problem when it gets hot, that's why the blow tube gets put asside and wiping sticks come out. Swiss and the Schuetzen I find that I have to quit using the B-tube sooner then the KIK no matter what lube I use.

4. Is there any way to remedy, or lessen those bad characteristics?

Control the fouling.

OK, now that I've stirred the pot, what flux should be used?

Well I like and use Rosin flux

Ed

Not necessarily "the best OR preferred", but when I started with my 45-70s, I and the guys I shot with were, for the most part, shooting Elephant 2f. When that became unavailable, I switched to Goex CTG. Now that that is unavailable, I'm kinda starting from scratch, although I have been shooting Goex 1f outta my 45-90. Guess a guy has to roll with the punches . . .