Black Powder question

[T.D.C.]

It is primative season in PA. now. I hear someone talking about something you mix with the pan powder that makes it waterproof and easier to ignite in inclemate weather. We have a lot of that in December and January. I couldn't find anything on the Dixie Gun works catalogue?

Anyone out there hear of it ?

T.D.C.

[Terry N.]

I've seen that stuff but I don't recall the name. Just prime with what you shoot; 4F is the only type of BP that isn't treated to be (slightly) moisture resistant. Most of the dedicated flintlock shooters that I know follow this advice.

Don't worry - 2F or 3F will ignite just fine in your pan.

Alternately, just blow your pan clean every 10 minutes or so and re-prime. I've done both, but priming from the horn is much, much easier.

[HEAD0001]

I have used the stuff you are talking about. It does not work. The two things that I have found to work are this:1. I use 7F powder in the pan, not 4F. 2. The pan only needs to be 1/2 full. My powder level in the pan is just above the bottom of the flash hole. This will also increase ignition timimg.

If you want to buy the stuff you can get it at Ace's Gun's in Washington, PA. Tom.

[Holedigger]

Not sure of the product you're speaking of, but in Dave Ehrig's book, he claims to use 3F in the pan during wetter weather as it does not draw quite as much moisture as 4F. Haven't tried it myself yet, but will in the future. FWIW. 2F in the pan I've never heard of, but may try that too.

[Rhys]

I remember the stuff from several years ago but like the others don't remember what it was called. I just primed with 3F as that was also what I used for my main charge, and I only wanted to carry a single horn. Most people seem to over charge their prime, keep it lite and things will work faster. One other to try for keeping things dry is to smear a small amount of lube or grease arround the edge of your pan before closing the frizzen, it works to from a gasket of sorts, and will keep everything dry short of a full submersion.