MtMan-List: Black Powder

[jdsteach@dwave.net]

Greetings, Wise Ones and others,
Along the shooting line I heard a skinner claim that he liked to shoot
fff in his 54 cal.  I, being the novice, asked why.  He claimed that it
shot cleaner and he used less powder.  
Is this a good idea?
I know that fff creates more pressure in small cal. rifles.  I would
assume that it would be the same in a large bore.  
Historically, what was the grade of the powder used by the early
explorers?  I find it hard to believe that there were 4 grades of powder
back then.  
Any ideas? 

Thanks for your time and thoughts.

Pilgrim JD