Author Topic: Flintlock Question  (Read 837 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline CAV Trooper

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 228
Flintlock Question
« on: February 24, 2005, 10:52:37 AM »
Hi guys,

I usually hang out at the Cannon & Mortar forum but I have a question regarding a flintlock pistol. While I've done a bunch of BP shooting over the years, it's always been percussion. This is my first flintlock.

The pistol is a .67 caliber replica and will mostly be used for firing blank shots with 2Fg during reenactments. Would using the same powder for priming be a real problem or is 4Fg needed for reliability?
“Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."
Albert Einstein

Offline filmokentucky

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 535
  • Gender: Male
Flintlock Question
« Reply #1 on: February 24, 2005, 11:27:02 AM »
I often prime with ffg. I doubt you'll have any problems.
N.M.L.R.A. Member
T.M.A. Member
N.R.A. Endowment Life Member

Offline Rustyinfla

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (4)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1744
Flintlock
« Reply #2 on: February 24, 2005, 12:22:03 PM »
The Club I was in used to give away a pound of powder for prizes. They alway gave away FFFg so I learned to use it for everything.

             Rusty <><
If you're gonna be stupid ya gotta be tuff

Offline Bob/FLA

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 222
Priming
« Reply #3 on: February 24, 2005, 12:42:45 PM »
Go ahead and prime with the same powder you use as main charge.

Bob
Thanks!
Bob

Visit our website at:
www.nativeamericanarchery.com
Or contact us at:
naa@nativeamericanarchery.com

Offline lostid

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 420
Flintlock Question
« Reply #4 on: February 25, 2005, 05:35:39 AM »
should be OK,,just remember ta pick the vent like ya do on cannon.

 The "flash in the pan" is sposta "leap" the fire channel. If the vent is plugged with even fresh powder,,the granuales of powder plugging the vent will oxidize first and "close" the vent.  The 'flash" will not wick too the main charge. It needs an open hole for the heat transfer  :D
i'm a realist. i've not seen it all, but man ,,I've Been Around the block once or twice

Offline CAV Trooper

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 228
Flintlock Question
« Reply #5 on: February 25, 2005, 07:30:21 AM »
Thanks guys. I figured that "way back when" they didn't carry two different grades of powder (especially the military with paper wrapped cartridges) but wanted to be sure.
“Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."
Albert Einstein

Offline Shorty

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1098
Flintlock Question
« Reply #6 on: February 25, 2005, 02:07:01 PM »
Just remember to not fill the pan higher than below the vent.  Too full and the pan charge will block sparks from going into the vent.

Offline Evil Dog

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 651
  • Gender: Male
Flintlock Question
« Reply #7 on: February 25, 2005, 02:18:46 PM »
Since you mentioned the military paper cartridges, one aspect of their use should be brought up.  During the Revolutionary War period powder from the paper cartridge was indeed used to prime the piece.  This would require ripping open the paper cartridge, pouring a small amount of powder in the pan and then the remainder down the barrel followed by the paper and ball.  Reenactment "blank" cartridges could also be used in the same manner.  DON'T DO IT !!!!!  Priming should be the final step in a loading sequence, not the first.
Evil Dog

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.
Freedom is a well-armed lamb contesting that vote. - Benjamin Franklin (1759)

Offline CAV Trooper

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 228
Flintlock Question
« Reply #8 on: February 25, 2005, 05:13:15 PM »
Quote
Priming should be the final step in a loading sequence, not the first.


Roger that! It could FUBAR your whole day.  :cry:  With my cannon and percussion weapons I never prime until just before I'm ready to fire.
“Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."
Albert Einstein

Offline xnmr53

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 109
Flintlock Question
« Reply #9 on: February 26, 2005, 01:56:01 PM »
Some minor points.

As you are bringing the pistol up to aim, roll your wrist so that the priming powder falls to the outside of the pan, away from the vent. This helps to ensure that the flash has a clear path.

Also, if you are interested in match accuracy, get a primer. It's a tiny powder flask that dispenses a small (and consistent) amount of powder directly into the pan.

Remember that with a flintlock, consistency is everything.