Manual

BLACKPOWDER CHART SHOWING APPROXIMATE USE OF THE VARIOUS

GRANULATIONS…

FG (Commonly called Single “F”) The muzzleloading enthusiast finds

little use for this very coarse blackpowder. Its use is pretty much

restricted to the large bore (10, 8, 4 gauge) shotguns of yesterday.

FFG (Commonly called Double “F”) This is a very popular powder for

the larger (.45 to .58 caliber rifles). It is also used for 12, 16 and 20

gauge muzzleloading shotguns. While it is not considered a pistol

powder, it is sometimes used in very large caliber single shot pis-

tols.

FFFG (Commonly called Triple “F”) It is used in all percussion revolvers,

most single shot pistols, and most of the smaller (under .45 cali-

ber) rifles.

FFFFG (Commonly called Four “F”) The finest of all currently available

blackpowders, Four “F” is best for priming flintlocks. Due to its lim-

ited use, it is sometimes difficult to obtain.

The second type of propellant acceptable for use in CVA muzzleloading

firearms is PYRODEX. Pyrodex is a propellant designed for use in percussion

rifles, pistols and shotguns found to be in good shooting condition by a compe-

tent gunsmith. Pyrodex relates closely to blackpowder on a volume to volume

basis, not the weight of the charge. In other words, a scoop type measure set to

dispense 100 grains of blackpowder will dispense roughly 72 grains of Pyrodex

(Pyrodex is bulkier). This lighter charge weight of Pyrodex will fill the measure

and provide a charge which is ballistically similar to 100 grains of blackpowder

of the appropriate granulation. Used in this manner, Pyrodex will yield approxi-

mately the same velocities and pressures as blackpowder. Pyrodex is currently

available in three granulations. These types and their uses are listed below:

PYRODEX RS (rifle & shotgun) Designed for use in all calibers of

percussion muzzleloading rifles

and shotguns. Pyrodex Select has

similar loading characteristics to

RS.

PYRODEX P (pistol powder) Designed for use in percussion

muzzleloading pistols and cap &

ball revolvers. Also used in small

caliber rifles.

PYRODEX CTG (cartridge powder) Designed for use in blackpowder

cartridges. This powder is not suited

for use in muzzleloading firearms.

The third type of propellant acceptable for CVA rifles is PYRODEX PEL-

LETS. Pyrodex Pellets are designed and intended for use only in newly manu-

factured sidelocks equipped with a Musket Cap ignition and a rate of barrel

twist of 1 in 32" or faster (Colorado MusketMag™).