What causes smoke strings

[pilgrim]

    I have noticed that sometimes when shooting, the smoke at muzzle forms smoke strings.  Sort of looks like frizzly spider like strings of smoke that fall to the ground.  These are a few feet in front of muzzle.  I usually shoot 2F Goex.  Could it be that the powder is not burning completely?  I have had this happen when shooting the Traditions PA rifle with the 39" barrel.  as well as every other muzzleloader I have.  Oddly enough, I have never seen these smoke strings when shooting any of the flintlock or percussion pistols.  But then I shoot 3F in them.  But it doesnt happen every shot.  Could it be barrel fouling?  Could it be that I need to switch to 3F powder?  If the powder is not burning completely before it exists the  bore, then it stands to reason that I am looseing pressure on projectile as well as velocity and which in turn might/could effect accuracy.  Can anyone  explain what is causing these smoke strings.   Thanks.

[Hammerhead]

i believe its unburnt powder that comes out of the barrel and just starts to slowly burn. try cutting down your powder by 5 grains

[pilgrim]

     Thanks Hammerhead

[pathfinder]

It's actually indicitive of nothing. Atmospheric conditions are probably more the answer than anything else. More importantly,how's the accuracy,that's what the real question should be. One of the thing's you can look for are little red speck's in the barrel after a shot. We've been calling these "Breech Flea's"and they indicate that everything is fine and your load in good! You dont alway's see them,but when ya do,it's cool!

[pilgrim]

     Thanks pathfinder

[Linc]

It could just be slower burning impurities or loose threads from the patch material that got between the powder and patch.

[Baldy]

If you try shooting at night, you might see something even more interesting. Here I am shooting skeet on a cold winter night.

[pilgrim]

     Thanks Linc and Baldy.   Baldy, I think what you are saying is the muzzle flash.  When I shoot the  425 grn maxi bullets with 85 gr 2f,  there is about 6' flame out of muzzle.  I can imagine the light show at night time along with sparks etc.  May try it sometime but for now I will leave the local township police have their quiet nights.  Although on July 4th, I did fire my muzzleloader pistols, with just powder and wads,  in the dark. Another light show.   

[Watauga]

     Thanks Linc and Baldy.   Baldy, I think what you are saying is the muzzle flash.  When I shoot the  425 grn maxi bullets with 85 gr 2f,  there is about 6' flame out of muzzle.  I can imagine the light show at night time along with sparks etc.  May try it sometime but for now I will leave the local township police have their quiet nights.  Although on July 4th, I did fire my muzzleloader pistols, with just powder and wads,  in the dark. Another light show.