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Muzzleloading firearms use a special type of propellant, commonly referred to as blackpowder.

Traditional blackpowder is a corrosive material, which can cause the barrel of your firearm to rust quickly. There are brand-name substitute powders, such as Pyrodex®, CleanShot® and Hodgdon’s Triple Seven®. All these powders are safe to use when handled properly. They are sold either in granulated or compressed pre-measured form.

Blackpowder is available in six granulation sizes. The table lists each grain size, its description and use.

Grain Description Use
Cannon Coarse grain powder. Used for cannons.
F Referred to as single-F.
Coarse grain.
Used for shotguns 10 gauge and higher.
FF Referred to as double-F.
Medium grain.
Used in rifles, single-shot pistols (.45 calibre and larger) and shotguns (12–20 gauge).
Cartridge. Medium-fine grain. Substitute for double-F powder.
FFF Referred to as triple-F.
Fine grain.
Used in rifles and handguns that are under .45 calibre, as well as shotguns smaller than 20 gauge.
FFFF Referred to as four-F.
Extra-fine grain.
Used only to prime flintlock muzzleloaders.

Only use the correct type of propellant for your specific modern muzzleloading firearm. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for propellants to use in muzzleloader firearms.

CleanShot is a registered trademark of Huntego.

Pyrodex and Triple Seven are registered trademarks of Hodgdon Powder Co., Inc.

HEX–Propellants
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