First, everyone I know uses volume, not weight, when measuring Black Powder. Second, going from 2F to 3F will raise pressure and velocity. In my 12ga loads I go from 92grs of 2F to 65grs of 3F - this is with a 12ga smooth bore muzzleloader with a .715 patched round ball and get the same point of impact. With my Parkers and 1oz of shot I use either 92grs of 2F or 75grs of 3F. The 92gr load is only for effect - when I like to surprise other shooters - although I will admitt it kills birds or clay birds quite well. Thirty some years ago I built a 8ga O/U muzzleloader that weighed 15 pounds. I loaded 400grs of 1F and 4oz of shot. It would push me over if I wasn't standing right - but it was death on geese at 60 to 70 yards. In the Lyman BP Handbook [ for muzzleloaders ] they show 102grs 2f and a 1 1/4oz giving a 1200FPS for 12ga. In a different reloading manual for shotshells 1330 FPS for 102grs. In 10ga only 1270 for the same charge. It would appear the 8ga load would be lower yet. Those 8ga's were meant for some heavy loads, and I don't think you're even close. I wouldn't go with the 3F unless you keep the load down from what you'd be useing with 2F. If you're just loading for Cowboy shooting at clays why load a heavy one ? Now hunting - 130 of 2F sounds nice. Happy shooting to ya - Paul
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