Higher pressure, as given by 3f over 2F, requires a tighter ball/patch combination. Since the 3f was burning the patches and 100gr. 2F as well as 120gr. 1F wasn't we can say that 82gr. of 3f developed higher pressure.

I know from chronographing other guns, that 100gr. of 2f gives higher velocity than 82gr. of 3f - in .50, .54, .58 and .69 cal rifles - yet that 82gr. of 3f produces higher pressure.

Next test will be with 110gr. and 120gr. 2f, and I might try larger ball, the .570", .575" or perhaps a heavier patch with the smaller .562" ball, juet to see the effect. I suspect the rifle's 48" twist will still shoot well with upwards of 120gr. 2F, which would make a good moose gun, as long as the barrel's impacts were close together - here's hoping.

I'd rather not use 3f due to it's rapid increase in pressure with load increases, without giving a corresponding increase in velocity.

In this 9 1/2 pound rifle, recoil is not a problem. That 9 1/2 pounds is with the 1 pound bar of lead removed formthe butt stock. The balance is still fine.