Thank you for the graph work Zonie! The notion that a barrel can only burn so much powder is an "old wives tale" I thought had been disproved many years ago but I still hear people repeating it. There probably is some point at which an increase in powder will produce a reduction in velocity but that point is way beyond what any sane person would consider loading.
In the first edition "Lyman BP Handbook" they ran increasing charges until they hit an arbitrary maximum pressure of 15,000 CUP. In .50 caliber that varied from 130 to 170 grains of 3f, depending on the individual barrel. Velocity continued to increase right up to the last increment of powder in every case and every barrel length from 26" to 43".
Now I an NOT suggesting any one should shoot or needs to shoot loads in excess of 100 grains in a .50 caliber rifle. I tend to think that 80 grains is plenty and there is not much to be gained by loading heavier. But that is just my personal opinion, the fact is that more powder will produce more energy. Whether or not it is needed is another debate entirely. :yakyak:
In the first edition "Lyman BP Handbook" they ran increasing charges until they hit an arbitrary maximum pressure of 15,000 CUP. In .50 caliber that varied from 130 to 170 grains of 3f, depending on the individual barrel. Velocity continued to increase right up to the last increment of powder in every case and every barrel length from 26" to 43".
Now I an NOT suggesting any one should shoot or needs to shoot loads in excess of 100 grains in a .50 caliber rifle. I tend to think that 80 grains is plenty and there is not much to be gained by loading heavier. But that is just my personal opinion, the fact is that more powder will produce more energy. Whether or not it is needed is another debate entirely. :yakyak:
