Shot the gun yesterday with the 4f.

Still no issues with getting it to go bang, so mystery is solved.
I put 4f in the pan and I didn’t really feel like there was any discernible difference in flash to bang time. I’ll try to prime the main charge with 5grains of 4f next time. I’m also going to get some new flints and hope that’ll help. Still not a deal breaker, I just don’t want to flinch on a deer and end up with a bad shot.

I also shot my optima. I forgot how much that damn thing kicks, but it’s a pretty good shooting gun.

Broadhead,
I have shot flintlocks competitively since 1986. When I first started I shot fffg for the main charge & ffffg to prime the pan...... eventually to I just started priming with fffg. I have always shot Goex but the Swiss should be OK as well as long as it's real black powder & not a substitute. Personally I would just stick to fffg for the main charge.....our humidity will turn ffffg to mud quick. Also using just fffg and not a duplex load will give you more consistent breech pressure/velocity.

Some things you might consider:

Your touch hole can be up to 1/16 of an inch and still give you good compression(wouldn't go any larger)

As stated earlier ALWAYS pick your vent .....that ensures to that the priming flash will ingnite your main charge

When priming the pan......prime away from the touch hole. If the power is placed right next to the touch hole many times you will get a hang fire. By placing the priming charge away from the barrel, it is the flame that gives fast ignition.

Another thing which could be causing you problems is the location of the touch hole. If you open the frizzen and look at the touch hole.....where is it in relation to the pan? Ideally I want the touch hole positioned in the middle of the pan and when I look directly at the touch hole....the top of the pan bisects it(I only see the upper semicircle)
Lastly.....I would take that lock & polish every bearing surface glass smooth. That will increase you lock time & speed up the ignition as well

Good luck with your endeavors.....a Flintlock will make you a better shot....it forces following thru a shot!

One last thing.....if it's cold....do not take the gun into a warm environment..... the metal will sweat. There is a 10 point that walked within 15 yards that got a new lease on life due to my stupid mistake! I got a "consolation prize" the next morning but I can still see that 10 point to this day.....a little deer hunting PTSD I guess


D.H.