Estimating velocity.

[blafen]

IS there any sort of calculator for estimating velocity with different bore sizes and powder charges?
If not could anyone guess as to what type of velocity i would get with a .48 caliber smoothbore with a length of 39 inches using a 187 grain ball (not sure of the exact diameter) and different charges from say 50 to 100 grains?
I am trying to figure out the ballistics for this thing but without a chronograph i cant be too certain on the velocity.

 

[paulvallandigham]

NO. There are way too many variables to give any kind of accurate " estimates " of velocities, here. That is why we have chronographs.

 

[CoyoteJoe]

You could look through the various handbooks such as Lyman's BP handbook for similar calibers and barrels lengths to get a rough estimate. The only thing I can tell you is that a 187 grain ball would be .500" diameter so if you're running that in a .48 caliber smoothbore you do have a very tight fit! :haha:

 

[blafen]

Well thats what the scale says, i guess it must be off.

 

[CoyoteJoe]

Or your bore is larger than .48". As a very rough gestimate I'd say, 50 grains=1500 fps, 60=1600, 70=1700 and 80 grains about 1850 fps, all based on 3f powder. But that is just a guestimate.

 

[blafen]

I dont own a set of micrmeters, but using the old drill bit shaft method i figured it was a shade under .50 so i figured .48 or .49
Thanks for the guestimates though, thats exactly what i was looking for.