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Hodgson 777 FFG in a .44 revolver

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 9:52 am
by Ben Denise
Morning chaps,

Simple question, is this OK to use? I normally use the FFFG variant but have run out and now can't buy any more (no BP/explosives licence). I do however have some FFG, just not sure if it's safe to use in a Pietta New Model Army.

Any advice gratefully received. :)

Re: Hodgson 777 FFG in a .44 revolver

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 10:22 am
by dromia
Best to go by whatever Hodgdon say in their reloading data sheets.

Re: Hodgson 777 FFG in a .44 revolver

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 11:36 am
by Ben Denise
Unfortunately they don't have any data for .44 pistol, other than the 3F powder. Despite that, I'm sure people have used it so was looking for personal experience.

Re: Hodgson 777 FFG in a .44 revolver

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 11:50 am
by dromia
If there is no data then there can be no loads given on here as all loads have to reference published, pressure tested, load data.

Tripple 7 is a smokeless powder with some black powder characteristics, it is not a powder to muck around with loads. It is not like black powder at all.

Contact Hodgdon and see what they advise.

Re: Hodgson 777 FFG in a .44 revolver

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 1:22 pm
by 1066
Am I right in thinking the recent changes mean that 777 (but not Pyrodex) now requires an explosive license just the same as BP?

Re: Hodgson 777 FFG in a .44 revolver

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 1:34 pm
by dromia
You are correct Allan, Tripple 7 is now classed as an explosive.

Re: Hodgson 777 FFG in a .44 revolver

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:05 pm
by Dark Skies
Ben Denise wrote: Wed Jun 28, 2023 9:52 am Morning chaps,

Simple question, is this OK to use? I normally use the FFFG variant but have run out and now can't buy any more (no BP/explosives licence). I do however have some FFG, just not sure if it's safe to use in a Pietta New Model Army.

Any advice gratefully received. :)

"Triple Seven FFG Granular Powder
Designed for shotguns and rifles, 50 caliber and larger, as well as cartridges. FFG is also usable in muskets and large-bore pistols.
Hodgdon’s revolutionary granulated muzzleloading propellant that cleans up with water alone. Contains no sulfur, so there are no strong smells and clean-up is a breeze." Hodgon

Because it's a medium powder, you'll may find it might not ignite as reliably or as fast as the correct powder. You might get those noticeable lags between squeezing the trigger and it going bang.
It won't do any harm, but may be rather disappointing.
If memory serves, the Pietta NMA uses a .454" ball - .046" shy of .50" or approx 1.07 mm difference, so not a huge chasm away from the smallest ball it's designed for.

Re: Hodgson 777 FFG in a .44 revolver

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2023 11:11 am
by Ben Denise
Thanks for that Dark Skies.