Paul H asks, “What's the best load for my 45 cal flintlock. I'm a beginner and welcome your advice. I got me some goex 4f for the pan and goex 3f for the charge.”
Steve C- I use 45 gr of 3F for target work and 75 gr for deer hunting with patched round ball.
Mike L- The old rule of thumb was "caliber to caliber-and-a-half". That would be 45 to 70 grains. But you need to find out your rifles sweet load
Bill S- I usually start with the caliber of your rifle. You have a 45 start at 45 grand of powder make three shots I then give the barrel a quick swab then add 5 grand of powder keep doing this till you find out what your gun likes.
Dennie R- First you need to find out what ball and patch fits the bore the best You’ve got the right powders for load and pan 45 to 70 grains that has been suggested somewhere in there you will find the sweet spot to get you the best group depending on whether you’re going to shoot target or hunting be safe and have fun oh yes clean between shots. always a good practice For accuracy and ignition That would be my suggestion you will find your own path and works best for you somewhere in there I’m sure.
Tambi D- I do have a .45 flint too. I have been having issues with spark, but when it does shoot, I have had about 45-50 grains. You should start low, and work your load. As far as what is in the pan, 4Fg is good, but the Swiss Null B (0B) is better. You have less hang fires with this, and it actually shoots faster. It’s a finer powder than 4Fg.
Mark H- This will help you get started along with others here helping too:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mOIkFaQxc0&t=18s
Ace R- Try many different powder charges and then try different patch materials and material thicknesses... and then try different patch lubes...... Finding the right combination is an awesome fun thing. You get to shoot a lot and in doing so you will find the right combination. Don't settle for someone else's load. Find your own.... it's a fun thing. He who shoots the most .... wins!!!
Terry S- Goex load chart. Always good to use the gunpowder website whether muzzle loading or cartridge reloading. https://goexpowder.com/resources/load-charts/
Terry A- Practice with what you hunt with , I use 3f , work different load up and down see what your gun likes mine likes 70 gr. Every gun is different
David F- I like larger grain for barrels 40 inches or longer. 3fg may be right or 2fg may be better. In my whitworth cannon or fg works well. Its .451 cal. I know it uses large percussion caps, but it something to think about.
Wayman J- Yea some of the guys mentioned patches and ball size but didn't elaborate. There is .440 but it's usually for pistols. There is .451 .457. There may be some other sizes but those are the most available. Mine is a 45 I shoot .451's I like pre-cut pre-lubed patches I put a few drops of gun oil in a small container with a stack of patches an inch or so tall just to slicken up my patches.
William H- shoot 45 gr.of powder , very accurate in my rifle.
Bradley C- Just for target shooting I have found that a .445 cal roundball with a .015 pre lubed patch sitting on top of 35gr of FFF powder works best up to 50-75 yards. If I’m shooting 100 yards I double the charge to 70gr of FFF powder
Mike K- 60gr fff, .440 ball, .10 patch, fff priming
There are lots of different answers from a variety of shooters, but we hope this helps you find the best load for YOUR 45 caliber flintlock.