Hello Friends,

What type of powder of some of you using to prime and fire a matchlock. Also, what type of solution are using for the matchcord?

Cheers

Bruce

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For my harquebus/musket, I have been using Goex powder. I use 2F powder for the main charge and 4F powder for the primer.

For match, there is this site which tells you how to make it:
http://www.musketeer.ch/blackpowder/lunte.html

This site also tells you how to make it and sells it too. I have a length of match from him and it works well. Since I am not going to be making my own match anytime soon, I will most likely buy my next batch of slow match from him the next time I run low.
http://www.metamuseum.com/us/slowmatch/index.cfm

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Вообще, я делаю порох сам. Для полки порох просто не гранулирую. Если заранее у меня свой не заготовлен, то я покупаю дымный "Сокол" и тру его в ступке. Так улучшается воспламеняемость и проницаемость в затравочный канал. Гранулированный порох для полки НИКОГДА не использую.

I'll second Goex, good even burns. 2-3F granule size depending on the bore size of our guns. 4F is what we use for prime as well.

For match a slution of potassium nitrate as described in the above link or apple cider vinegar works too when you boil it down for the match.

I second the recommendation of the site with a recipe for leaded match. I have made a batch of 10 meters and I find it superior to the potassium nitrate variety in every way. Friends to whom I have given a length agree. I use 6mm braided hemp cord.

Also, 2F main charge, 4F prime seems to be ideal for large bores. I use 3F in my smaller bore simply because I have it on hand. I have never had to purchase 2F or 3F; I have accumulated enough from event rations. 4F for prime is not really necessary but a pound goes a long way.

JSA