I've also shot BPCRS for about 20 years. In my experience, the degree of fouling is more affected by the type of powder and the quality of your bullet lube. I started out shooting "Elephant droppings", then went to Goex cartridge grade, Swiss in 1 1/2 and 3f and finally Goex Express, which is the predecessor of Old Eynsford.
In each instance as I changed powder quality and upped the charge to maximum capacity and even compressed loads, the fouling was always watched closely because in a short timed string of shots, a fouled out barrel can destroy a score.
My take is fill the case to capacity with a fine granulation, quality powder and use a good lube (I'm NOT a fan of SPG) and fouling is at it's least. I've noticed that you can look down the barrel after a shot and if you have good fouling control, the residue is accumulated at the bottom of the barrel and the top half or so is almost clean. In breechloaders, shooting cast bullets sized at least .002 over groove diameter will go a long way in reducing fouling buildup, IF your lube is good.
JDH,
I've shot less than full cases (17 grains of 3f) for years in a 45 Colt at breakable targets at skirmish type events (See Black Powder Through the Ages on Facebook) and have had excellent accuracy. I think the whole detonation thing is more with smokeless shooters using small charges of fast pistol powder, like Bullseye.
Bob Anderson
Ordnance Sergeant
Company C, 1st Michigan Volunteer Infantry
Small Arms Committee
"I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a hand on.
I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."
- John Wayne in "The Shootist", 1976
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